In a groundbreaking development, Microsoft has signed a historic agreement with Heavenly Body Energy Company to revive the Three-Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, aiming to supply clean energy for its growing AI operations.
The 20-year deal focuses on restoring Reactor Unit 1 and transforming it into the “Crane Clean Energy Hub,” further strengthening Microsoft’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
As part of the agreement, Heavenly Body Energy will deliver 835 megawatts of carbon-free energy to Microsoft, with a total investment of approximately USD 1.6 billion to bring the facilities online. The ambitious project is expected to be operational by 2028. However, the reactivation of the plant is still subject to approval by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and local and state authorities.
Why Microsoft Chose Nuclear Power for AI Growth
This decision comes at a time when the demand for energy to power artificial intelligence infrastructure is skyrocketing. According to Phil Harvey, President of Sabre56 and a leading data center infrastructure expert, the cost of powering a single AI data center can range from USD 3 to 5 million per megawatt.
Nuclear energy is emerging as a practical solution to meet these needs, offering a stable and emission-free energy source to support the exponential growth of the sector.
South Africa Leads in Crypto Regulation, Creating Opportunities in Digital Assets
South Africa is positioning itself as a leader in cryptocurrency regulation across Africa. With a clear and advanced regulatory framework, the country recently granted 59 licenses to cryptocurrency platforms and is reviewing over 260 additional applications. This marks a significant milestone in the region, making South Africa the first African nation to implement a comprehensive regulatory system for crypto service providers.
The potential for the cryptocurrency market in South Africa is immense, with revenue expected to reach USD 246 million in 2024 and a projected annual growth rate of 7.86% through 2028.
This growth is not only driven by the increasing adoption of digital assets but also by the interest of international investors and local players looking to operate in a safer and more transparent environment.
With these regulations in place, South Africa aims not only to foster innovation and attract investment but also to protect consumers and ensure market integrity.
Crypto Investor Nets Over USD 130 Million by Holding Strong Against Market Volatility
A cryptocurrency investor has secured a remarkable profit of USD 131.72 million by holding onto their Ethereum (ETH) investment during the volatile bear market of 2022 and maintaining their position through two years of turbulence.
Blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain tracked the wallet of this “diamond-handed investor,” a term used to describe individuals who retain their assets despite extreme market fluctuations.
The investor initially purchased 96,639 ETH between September 3 and 4, 2022, at an average price of USD 1,567 per unit, amounting to an initial investment of approximately USD 151.42 million. Instead of selling during panic, which affected many investors, this individual held their position.
By March 2024, with Ethereum’s price climbing to USD 3,062, the investor transferred more than 72% of their holdings (70,000 ETH) to the Kraken cryptocurrency exchange, resulting in a total transfer of USD 214.34 million. After deducting the original investment, the net profit exceeded USD 130 million, showcasing the strength of a long-term strategy in the volatile crypto market.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 23rd September 2024