Central Pennsylvania Rallies in Support of the Crane Clean Energy Center: Governor Shapiro, Microsoft Executives, Community Leaders and Hundreds of New Employees Gather to Celebrate Progress
Constellation remains on track to restart Unit 1 ahead of schedule, bringing thousands of jobs and more than $3 billion back to central Pennsylvania
More than 400 new and returning Constellation employees and Pennsylvania building trades members gathered today at the Crane Clean Energy Center to hear from Gov. Josh Shapiro, local officials, and Microsoft and Constellation executives as widespread support builds for the plant's restart. The celebration follows news that the plant could restart as early as 2027, with the approval of an early interconnection request by grid operator PJM and significant progress made on hiring, reactor operator training and major equipment purchases. Governor Shapiro wrote a letter to PJM helping to secure approval of that expedited request.
Crane Clean Energy Center Site Celebration Photos/Video
"Today we begin a new chapter for reliable, emissions-free nuclear energy, returning thousands of good jobs and billions in economic opportunities for Pennsylvania families and businesses," said Joe Dominguez, Constellation president and CEO. "With PJM's action, Microsoft's historic investment, and strong support from Governor Shapiro, elected officials and members of this community, we're on track to make history ahead of schedule, helping America achieve energy independence, supercharge economic growth, and win the global AI race."
"My Administration has worked closely with Constellation and PJM on the Crane Clean Energy Center since 2023 in order to get this new generation online as quickly as possible, ensure the reliability of our grid, and cement the Commonwealth's energy future," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "This restart will safely take advantage of existing infrastructure while creating thousands of energy jobs and strengthening Pennsylvania's legacy as a national energy leader. My proposed energy plan would spark the next generation of energy production here in Pennsylvania, and projects like this are going to help us continue to create energy jobs and build a more reliable, affordable energy grid. I look forward to continuing to bring people together to get stuff done for Pennsylvanians and speed up the development of new energy resources in the Commonwealth."
"As Microsoft continues its path to become a carbon negative company, this agreement brings a significant supply of new, reliable, carbon-free electricity back to the PJM power grid," said Bobby Hollis, VP of Energy, Microsoft. "This will help address the grids' capacity and reliability needs in the regions we operate."
Constellation continues to make strong progress toward the safe and efficient restart of the Crane Clean Energy Center. The facility is now more than 64% staffed, with nearly 400 full-time employees on board and 58 additional hires with start dates in the coming weeks. Significant technical milestones have also been reached, including the successful inspection of the plant's diesel generator, steam generator, main generator, turbines, and other major systems.
Many of Crane's office buildings have been renovated and enhancements to the training center and control room simulator are nearly complete. The site's new main power transformers will be delivered next year utilizing the skills of hundreds of rigging experts, local skilled labor, and electrical specialists. Constellation also remains on track with its regulatory filings and recently submitted key licensing amendments to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). In May, the NRC approved a license request to rename Unit 1 to the Crane Clean Energy Center.
"Crane is a huge shot in the arm for the 130,000 building and construction trades workers I am privileged to represent in Pennsylvania," said Rob Bair, president of the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council. "These are the men and women who shape the skylines across Pennsylvania, who build everything from energy plants and hospitals to high-rise apartments and hotels. This plant will give our workers the best opportunity to truly have a middle-class living, making good money with great benefits – something they can all be proud of. We are excited to be working with Constellation to power up the Crane Clean Energy Center."
"We congratulate Constellation, Microsoft and the state of Pennsylvania for doing something that seemed impossible just a few years ago: restarting a shuttered nuclear plant," said Maria Korsnick, president and CEO, Nuclear Energy Institute. "The U.S. nuclear industry is uniquely positioned to meet the rising demand for clean, reliable, and affordable energy. The Crane Clean Energy Center is a powerful example of how our industry is rising to the challenge."
Constellation pledged $1 million in community contributions over five years and has already provided $185,000 to community partners in 2025. During today's event, the company announced two new community donations:
- $25,000 to Lower Dauphin Communities That Care's Bookmobile, which serves local schools
- $20,000 to Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania
"Constellation has always been a good neighbor for Londonderry Township and we are looking forward to that continuing into the future," added Anna Dale, Londonderry Township Supervisor. "An active power plant is good for our local economy and helps support countless businesses across the region. Their support of our community, especially the fire department, has always been exceptional and we remain grateful for all of the support they've shown."
Prior to its premature retirement in 2019, the plant served as an economic engine for the state. An independent study found that Constellation's $1.6 billion investment to restart the Crane Clean Energy Center is expected to:
- Create 3,400 direct and indirect jobs
- Add $16 billion to Pennsylvania's GDP
- Generate more than $3 billion in state and federal tax revenue
About Constellation
Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG), a Fortune 200 company headquartered in Baltimore, is the nation's largest producer of reliable, emissions-free energy and a leading energy supplier to businesses, homes and public sector customers nationwide, including three-fourths of Fortune 100 companies. With annual output that is nearly 90% carbon-free, our hydro, wind and solar facilities paired with the nation's largest nuclear fleet have the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 16 million homes, providing about 10% of the nation's clean energy. We are committed to investing in innovative technologies to drive the transition to a reliable, sustainable and secure energy future. Follow Constellation on LinkedIn and X.
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Paul Adams
Constellation Communications
667-218-7700
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