Constellation Energy's Crane nuclear plant restart ahead of schedule

Sept 23 (Reuters) - Major U.S. power company Constellation Energy CEG.O said its project to restart the Three Mile Island Unit 1 nuclear plant in Pennsylvania, renamed the Crane Clean Energy Center, remains ahead of schedule, with the unit expected back online in 2027.

The plant, closed in 2019 for economic reasons, was approved for restart last year.

Over the year, the company has signed long-term power agreements for data centers owned by giant technology companies, including with Meta META.O, and a separate agreement with Microsoft MSFT.O that will involve re-opening the plant.

Constellation said the project is nearly 80% staffed, has completed or is nearing completion of major equipment inspections, and has received accelerated approval from grid operator PJM for interconnection.

Licensing with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission remains on track, it said.