Southwest Michigan Poised for Nuclear Innovation with Holtec’s Ambitious Plans
In a groundbreaking move, Southwest Michigan might become the pioneering site in the United States to house a novel, compact nuclear reactor. Holtec International, the proprietor of the defunct Palisades nuclear facility near South Haven, is spearheading this initiative.
The company is focused on reactivating the original Palisades reactor, a venture that would be unprecedented in the U.S. However, this endeavor is pending final regulatory consent. In a bold step towards energy innovation, Holtec has also unveiled plans to erect and operate two cutting-edge small modular reactors (SMRs) at the facility.
“I call it a red letter day, in the annals of nuclear – commercial nuclear energy, that I believe will be recognized as the day when new nuclear was born in the form of small, modular reactors,” remarked Kris Singh, CEO of Holtec.
During a significant meeting on Tuesday, Singh formalized a strategic agreement with Hyundai Engineering & Construction for the development of these SMRs. Holtec aims to have these reactors operational by 2030, contingent upon receiving the necessary regulatory green light.
These planned reactors are projected to generate over 600 megawatts of power, supplementing the 800 megawatts anticipated from the existing reactor, should the project proceed as envisioned.
While Singh and his Holtec team are aware of the hurdles ahead, they remain confident in overcoming these challenges. The ultimate decision hinges on federal regulatory bodies, who will assess whether Holtec can safely manage the reactors at the lakeside site. Despite recent skepticism from Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff about the project’s “very demanding” timeline, Holtec remains optimistic. Read more about the regulatory concerns here.
Holtec executives, including President Kelly Trice, assert that administrative changes in Washington D.C. are unlikely to impede their plans. Trice highlights the continued support from the Trump administration and notes that Holtec has secured a $1.5 billion loan from the Department of Energy under President Biden’s administration. “Friday was my last conversation with the Department of Energy,” Trice stated. “Literally no negative impact whatsoever.”
Despite the company’s optimism, some local residents have voiced apprehensions regarding the reactor’s revival, citing safety issues due to the plant’s age. Holtec, however, reassures stakeholders of their commitment to safety, having already recruited 560 personnel for the facility’s operations.
—
Read More Michigan News
