Constellation is making significant strides in restarting Three Mile Island Unit 1 and establishing the Crane Clean Energy Center, just five months after securing a landmark power purchase agreement with Microsoft. The project is progressing ahead of schedule on multiple fronts, with an independent economic impact study estimating that the restart will create 3,400 direct and indirect jobs, contribute $16 billion to Pennsylvania’s GDP, and generate over $3 billion in state and federal tax revenues.
To date, Constellation has hired over 200 full-time employees for a variety of well-paying positions, with many more recruits expected to join in the coming weeks. The next round of job openings at the Crane Clean Energy Center will be posted in March, as the company works toward hiring more than 600 employees before the restart. In addition to full-time hires, hundreds of skilled contractors will be brought in to support the plant’s safe reopening and daily operations, with the majority being sourced from local union halls. A crucial aspect of the restart is training and licensing reactor operators and senior reactor operators to ensure safe and efficient plant management.
Joe Dominguez, Constellation president and CEO, stated, “Every new milestone confirms our belief that the Crane Clean Energy Center can be returned to service better than ever, restoring 835 megawatts of carbon-free energy to the regional grid at a critical time for Pennsylvania and our nation. Major maintenance and upgrades are proceeding ahead of plan, new equipment has been ordered, and we are making tremendous progress on hiring and training the next generation of skilled workers to operate the plant at world class levels of safety and performance, just as before.”
Governor Josh Shapiro, further added, “Pennsylvania’s nuclear energy sector plays a critical role in providing safe, reliable, clean electricity – that’s why my Administration has been engaged in plans to launch the Crane Clean Energy Center to create thousands of jobs, ensure the reliability of our energy grid, and cement the Commonwealth’s position as a national energy leader. I recently proposed an energy plan to spark the next generation of energy projects here in Pennsylvania and build a more reliable, affordable energy grid, and projects like the Crane Clean Energy Center are going to help us continue to create energy jobs and power Pennsylvania forward. I look forward to continuing that work to speed up the development of new energy generation here in Pennsylvania.”
To accommodate the growing workforce, Constellation has fully restored the main office building and is nearing completion on enhancements to the training center and control room simulator. Among the newly hired employees are Tori and Quinn VanderMeersch, a married couple who previously worked at the plant before its closure and have now returned to contribute to its revival. Technical progress is also on track, with thousands of inspections and equipment upgrades underway to ensure a safe and reliable restart.
Tori said, “After five years, it’s like coming home. We’re excited to be part of this new chapter at the Crane Clean Energy Center and to return to the community where we met to raise our family.”
Bart Shellenhamer, Member, Londonderry Township Board of Supervisors, remarked, “With only a few hundred workers on site, local restaurants and businesses are already feeling a significant boost. We look forward to welcoming new families to the area and leveraging the many benefits that the restart will bring.”
Extensive inspections have already been conducted on critical components, including the steam generator, main generator, rotor, turbines, feedwater heaters, and condensers. One of the most significant investments for the restart is the procurement of three new main power transformers, a contract that has been awarded with an additional $35 million investment to ensure their safe delivery in 2026. This effort will rely on the expertise of American rigging professionals, electrical specialists, and skilled craft workers.
On the regulatory front, Constellation has filed an interconnection request with PJM, which will allow the Crane Clean Energy Center to add 835 megawatts of emissions-free power to the grid. The company is also making steady progress in meeting all licensing and regulatory requirements set by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). It participated in the NRC’s first public meeting about Crane on October 25 and submitted its initial restart plan on November 4.
Today, Constellation will take part in a second NRC public meeting to provide an overview of its emergency plan. Additionally, on January 13, the company filed a license amendment request to officially rename Three Mile Island Unit 1 as the Crane Clean Energy Center, honoring former CEO Chris Crane for his contributions to the nuclear power industry. All regulatory filings related to the restart can be accessed on the NRC’s Crane webpage.
Beyond its technical and regulatory advancements, Constellation remains committed to supporting the local community. Over the next five years, the company plans to donate more than $1 million to workforce development initiatives and nonprofit organizations that address key community needs. Recent contributions include $25,000 to the Lower Dauphin Communities That Care Bookmobile and its Preschool Literacy Program, as well as $2,500 to the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania. Additional charitable giving is planned for 2025 to further strengthen community support.
Constellation is actively engaging with local stakeholders to ensure transparency and collaboration throughout the restart process. Representatives have been meeting with state and local officials, business groups, emergency management agencies, and civic organizations to provide regular updates. Dave Marcheskie, Constellation’s community engagement manager, has been leading efforts to inform residents, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations through facility tours, public meetings, and community events.
Angela Durantine, Program Director, Lower Dauphin Communities That Care, mentioned “We can’t tell you how much it means to have the renewed support of Constellation. Since the Bookmobile is our largest expense, it’s great to know that we have the funds to cover those costs as well as being able to expand reading programs for area youth.”
Additionally, Constellation has dedicated a section of its website to provide ongoing updates about the progress of the Crane Clean Energy Center. With work advancing across multiple fronts, Constellation remains on track to safely restart the facility and deliver clean, reliable energy while contributing to economic growth and community development.
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