The Crane Clean Energy Center is advancing toward an anticipated restart by 2027, promising thousands of jobs and significant economic impact for central Pennsylvania. More than 400 employees, government officials, and industry leaders gathered on June 25 to mark progress on the project.

Constellation, the plant’s operator, reported the facility is over 64% staffed with nearly 400 full-time employees and additional hires starting soon. Major equipment inspections have been successfully completed, and upgrades to training facilities and infrastructure are ongoing.

Governor Josh Shapiro highlighted the restart as a key component of Pennsylvania’s clean energy future, citing job creation and improved grid reliability. The project benefits from a partnership with Microsoft, which has committed to purchasing carbon-free electricity from the plant, supporting the company’s goal to become carbon negative.

An independent study projects that the $1.6 billion investment to revive the plant will create 3,400 direct and indirect jobs, add $16 billion to the state’s GDP, and generate over $3 billion in tax revenue.

The restart received regulatory momentum after PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator, approved an early interconnection request, following advocacy from the state government. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission also recently approved a license amendment renaming Unit 1 as the Crane Clean Energy Center.

Community support remains strong, with Constellation pledging $1 million in donations over five years and providing funding to local organizations in 2025.

Source: constellationenergy.com