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Three Mile Island Resumes Operations to Provide Energy for AI Data Centers Following New Agreement

# Microsoft and Constellation Energy to Reactivate Three Mile Island Nuclear Facility: A Fresh Chapter for Clean Energy and Data Centers

In a momentous decision, **Microsoft** and **Constellation Energy** have disclosed an agreement to reopen the inactive **Three Mile Island nuclear facility** in Pennsylvania. This arrangement, subject to regulatory clearance, would enable Microsoft to acquire all the plant’s energy production—about **835 megawatts**—for a duration of 20 years beginning in **2028**. This level of energy is sufficient to power roughly **800,000 households**, representing a vital advancement in addressing the escalating energy requirements of the technology sector, especially for **data centers** that support cloud computing, streaming services, and **generative AI technologies**.

## The Three Mile Island Story

Three Mile Island is notorious due to the **1979 partial meltdown** in Unit 2, which sparked extensive worries regarding nuclear safety nationwide. However, the newly forged agreement concentrates on **Unit 1**, which was decommissioned in **2019** because of financial difficulties. The resurgence of Unit 1, to be renamed the **Crane Clean Energy Center**, would position it among the initial nuclear facilities in the U.S. to be reinstated after being taken offline.

Constellation Energy aims to allocate **$1.6 billion** towards upgrading the facility, encompassing inspections and enhancements to vital components such as the **reactor’s turbines** and **cooling systems**. The initiative will also gain from **federal tax incentives** and grants offered by the **Inflation Reduction Act**, designed to bolster clean energy efforts.

## The Case for Nuclear Power

In spite of its contentious background, nuclear power is increasingly recognized as a **trustworthy and carbon-neutral** energy option. While incidents like the Three Mile Island crisis and the **Fukushima incident** in Japan have heightened issues surrounding safety and long-term **nuclear waste** management, nuclear energy has been linked to **fewer fatalities** relative to other power generation methods, especially when the ecological effects of **air pollution** are taken into account.

Indeed, nuclear power is perceived as an essential element in the worldwide endeavor to **decarbonize** the energy grid. As highlighted by **Our World in Data**, nuclear energy exhibits a significantly lower death rate per terawatt-hour (TWh) than fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. As global society navigates the urgent challenges posed by **climate change**, nuclear energy provides a scalable option to meet rising energy needs without contributing to **greenhouse gas emissions**.

## Microsoft’s Clean Energy Goals

Microsoft’s participation in the Three Mile Island initiative is part of its extensive dedication to achieving **carbon negativity** by **2030**. The firm is actively pursuing **clean energy sources** to power its worldwide operations, especially its swiftly growing network of **data centers**. These facilities serve as the backbone of Microsoft’s cloud offerings, including **Azure**, **Office 365**, and its expanding array of **AI-driven solutions**.

Microsoft has significantly intensified its focus on nuclear power, as seen in a **job announcement** last year for a program manager tasked with overseeing nuclear energy infrastructure initiatives. The Three Mile Island agreement marks a notable achievement in these efforts as the company persists in working with energy providers to craft **carbon-free energy solutions**.

“This agreement signifies a crucial milestone in Microsoft’s endeavors to assist in decarbonizing the grid as part of our pledge to become carbon negative,” stated **Bobby Hollis**, Microsoft’s Vice President of Energy. “Microsoft remains committed to collaborating with energy suppliers to develop carbon-free energy sources that align with the grid’s capacity and reliability requirements.”

## The Increasing Energy Needs of Data Centers

The revival of Three Mile Island comes at a critical juncture for the tech industry, which is encountering **unprecedented energy demands**. A **Bloomberg assessment** indicates that data centers utilized over **350 TWh** of power in **2024**, a dramatic rise from around **100 TWh** in **2012**. This trend is anticipated to persist, with the **International Energy Agency (IEA)** estimating that data center energy demands could soar to between **620 and 1,050 TWh** by **2026**.

A considerable share of this energy requirement is spurred by the emergence of **generative AI models**, which necessitate extensive computational power. A recent report suggested that energy usage linked to AI could climb to between **85 and 134 TWh** by **2027**, a benchmark akin to the energy needs of the **PC gaming sector**.

By securing a long-term energy source from Three Mile Island, Microsoft is strategically positioning itself to ensure its data centers operate efficiently while mitigating their environmental footprint. The agreement also underscores the escalating significance of **nuclear energy** as a viable solution to the tech industry’s energy hurdles.

## A Wider Industry Movement

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United Nations Urges Immediate Worldwide Measures on AI, Similar to Climate Change Action

### United Nations Suggests Global Oversight of Artificial Intelligence: A Move Towards International AI Governance

The United Nations (UN) has made a noteworthy advancement in tackling the global issues associated with artificial intelligence (AI) through a fresh report advocating for the establishment of a global governance framework for AI. Released by the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI, this report details a thorough approach for overseeing and regulating AI technologies, highlighting the necessity for international collaboration to reduce risks while enhancing the advantages of AI.

#### A Worldwide AI Governance Framework

The report advocates for the creation of a global entity akin to the **Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)**, tasked with collecting current information on AI advancements and evaluating their risks. This organization would foster international discussion among the UN’s 193 member countries, permitting them to deliberate and agree upon measures to regulate AI. The objective is to guarantee that AI technologies are designed and utilized in manners that are safe, secure, and fair.

A prominent suggestion is the establishment of an **AI fund** aimed at assisting initiatives in lower-income nations, particularly within the Global South. This initiative would help to close the digital gap and ensure that every country, independent of its economic standing, can reap the benefits of AI innovations. Additionally, the report proposes the creation of **AI standards** and **data-sharing frameworks**, alongside offering training and resources for nations to build their own AI governance systems.

#### Tackling the Risks of AI

The swift advancement of AI technologies, especially **large language models** like ChatGPT, has sparked both enthusiasm and apprehension. Although AI has the potential to transform industries and enhance productivity, it brings with it significant dangers. These encompass the likelihood of AI to:

– **Automate disinformation**: AI might be utilized to disseminate false information on an unprecedented scale, eroding trust in institutions and media.
– **Generate deepfake videos and audio**: Content created by AI could be exploited for harmful ends, such as impersonating individuals or fabricating news.
– **Displace workers widely**: Automation propelled by AI could result in substantial job loss, particularly in sectors reliant on repetitive tasks.
– **Intensify algorithmic bias**: AI systems could perpetuate and even magnify existing societal prejudices, resulting in unjust treatment of specific groups.

The report underscores the immediate need to confront these dangers, stating that the pace of AI development may soon render it challenging to manage. This concern has prompted experts and policymakers to advocate for more stringent regulation and oversight.

#### Diverging Views from Major Powers

The UN’s proposals emerge at a moment when major global powers, especially the **United States** and **China**, compete for dominance in AI. Both nations have put forward resolutions at the UN that encapsulate their distinct visions for AI governance. The U.S. resolution, presented in March, advocates for the creation of “safe, secure, and trustworthy AI,” while China’s resolution, unveiled in July, prioritizes international cooperation and the widespread accessibility of AI technologies.

Despite these resolutions, notable disparities exist between the two nations’ strategies regarding AI governance. The U.S. generally favors a less interventionist stance, enabling firms to innovate with minimal governmental oversight, whereas China supports a more centralized approach and regulation. These differences are likely to hinder efforts to craft a cohesive global AI governance framework.

#### The UN’s Position in AI Governance

While the UN is ideally suited to facilitate international collaboration on AI, some experts argue that it cannot oversee global AI governance in isolation. **Joshua Meltzer**, a specialist at the Brookings Institute, contends that AI governance will necessitate a “distributed architecture,” with individual countries also playing crucial roles in regulating AI technologies. Given the rapid pace of AI evolution, solely depending on the UN may not suffice to keep up with the dynamic environment.

Nevertheless, the UN report aims to establish a common foundation by rooting its recommendations in **human rights**. This method, according to **Chris Russell**, a professor at Oxford University, offers a robust grounding in international law and focuses on addressing tangible harms brought about by AI. By framing AI governance through the lens of human rights, the UN aspires to formulate a framework that is both inclusive and enforceable.

#### Global Collaboration on AI Safety

In spite of the geopolitical rivalry between major nations, there is an increasing agreement among scientists and scholars regarding the necessity for international collaboration in AI safety. Earlier this year, a cohort of eminent academics from both the West and China called for enhanced cooperation on AI safety following a conference in Vienna, Austria.

This collaborative spirit is echoed by **Alondra Nelson**, a member of the UN advisory body and a professor at the Institute for Advanced Study. Nelson believes that governmental leaders can unify efforts to tackle the challenges presented by AI, but she warns that much will hinge on how the UN and its member nations choose to enact the report’s recommendations. “The devil will be in the details of implementation,” she states.

“Eutelsat’s Surprising Shift and Revived European Apprehensions Regarding SpaceX”

**Europe’s Ariane 6 Rocket: A New Chapter in Space Launch**

In a remarkable achievement for European space endeavors, the Ariane 6 rocket, Europe’s next-generation launch system, successfully took off from its newly established launch pad in Kourou, French Guiana. This event signifies a crucial milestone for the European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace, the firm behind the rocket’s design and operations. The Ariane 6 is intended to supplant the highly productive Ariane 5, which has long served as a workhorse for European space initiatives. Nonetheless, the shift to Ariane 6 has encountered several hurdles, including delays and technical challenges. In spite of these obstacles, the successful launch of Ariane 6 marks a substantial move forward in Europe’s space aspirations.

### The Ariane 6: A New Generation of Rockets

The Ariane 6 rocket is a flexible, modular launch platform crafted to address the escalating needs of the commercial satellite sector, as well as governmental and institutional missions. It is available in two variants: the Ariane 62, featuring two solid rocket boosters, and the Ariane 64, equipped with four. This adaptability enables the rocket to accommodate a wide array of payloads, ranging from small satellites to larger, intricate missions.

A significant enhancement in Ariane 6 is its cost-efficiency. The rocket is engineered to be cheaper than its predecessor, Ariane 5, in order to vie with rising competitors in the space market, particularly SpaceX. The modular design and incorporation of off-the-shelf components aid in cost reduction, rendering Ariane 6 a more appealing choice for commercial clients.

### Overcoming Challenges

The journey to Ariane 6’s inaugural launch has been lengthy and laden with obstacles. Initially planned for a 2020 launch, the rocket underwent numerous setbacks due to technical complications and the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the most pressing challenges was the creation of the upper stage, powered by the Vinci engine. This upper stage is essential for accurately placing payloads into their designated orbits, with any malfunction posing a risk to the mission.

Earlier this summer, during the debut launch of Ariane 6, a malfunction in the upper stage impeded the Vinci engine from executing a third burn, essential for a controlled reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. Following a comprehensive investigation, the European Space Agency (ESA) attributed the problem to software issues. Specifically, a temperature reading surpassed a predefined threshold, leading the flight software to initiate a shutdown. This prevented the Vinci engine’s third ignition sequence. Thankfully, the ESA has assured that there are no “showstoppers” that could postpone upcoming launches, and a second flight may take place before the year concludes.

### Europe’s Response to SpaceX’s Dominance

The emergence of SpaceX has dramatically transformed the global space industry landscape. With its reusable rockets and competitive pricing, SpaceX has secured a significant portion of the commercial satellite launch market. This situation has compelled conventional players like Arianespace to innovate and lower their expenses. Stéphane Israël, CEO of Arianespace, has recognized the challenges posed by SpaceX but has also stressed the importance of Europe leveraging its strengths.

In a recent discussion, Israël noted that SpaceX is more than just a launch provider; it is a vertically integrated space organization that manufactures and operates satellites via its Starlink constellation. To effectively compete with SpaceX, Israël contends that Europe must consolidate its space sector and invest in ambitious projects like the Iris² satellite constellation, currently being advocated by the European Commission. However, the fate of this initiative remains uncertain, particularly following the unexpected exit of Thierry Breton from the European Commission.

### The Future of Ariane 6

Despite the challenges faced, the outlook is bright for Ariane 6. The rocket is anticipated to play an integral role in launching satellites for both commercial and governmental clients. A significant mission will involve deploying satellites for the European Union’s Galileo navigation system, Europe’s equivalent to the U.S. GPS system. Additionally, Ariane 6 will facilitate the launch of scientific missions, such as the upcoming space telescopes and planetary exploration endeavors by the ESA.

Furthermore, Ariane 6 is set to aid in the deployment of expansive satellite constellations, which are increasingly vital for global communications and Earth observation. The rocket’s capability to transport multiple satellites in a single launch renders it ideally suited for these missions.

### Conclusion

The successful launch of Europe’s inaugural Ariane 6 rocket signifies the dawn of a new chapter in European space exploration. While the journey to this point has been arduous, Ariane 6 is ready to emerge as a key player in the global space arena. With its cost-efficient design and versatile functionalities, the rocket will assist Europe in retaining its status as a space leader while contending with new players like SpaceX. As the space sector continues to advance, the Ariane