Palisades Nuclear Plant Near Lake Michigan Receives Approval to Restart

First U.S. Nuclear Plant to Restart Operations Gains Regulatory Clearance

In a groundbreaking move, a defunct nuclear power facility located near Lake Michigan has been given the green light to resume operations, marking a first in U.S. nuclear history. Federal regulators have provided a series of approvals for the Palisades Nuclear Plant, situated in Covert Township, Michigan, which was acquired by Holtec in 2022.

Initially, Holtec acquired the plant with the intention of decommissioning it, owing to its poor safety record. However, plans shifted later that year when Holtec announced its pursuit of regulatory permission to restart the plant.

Despite these developments, environmental groups and local residents have voiced their apprehensions, citing concerns over safety and potential health risks. Their worries stem from a past inspection revealing issues with over 1,000 tubes in the plant’s steam generator system. Holtec has assured that these issues will not delay the reopening timeline.

The approvals granted on Thursday allow Holtec to commence loading fuel into the reactor next month. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) highlighted that this is the first instance of a nuclear facility receiving an operational license after being designated for decommissioning.

Nonetheless, Holtec must still secure additional regulatory approvals before full operational status can be achieved. In a statement, Holtec described the day’s approvals as “a proud and historic moment for our team, for Michigan, and for the United States.”

The company emphasized the potential of the plant to generate over 800 megawatts of “safe, reliable, and carbon-free baseload power,” sufficient to supply over 800,000 homes. Holtec also noted that the plant’s restart would bolster grid reliability and meet rising energy demands in Michigan and beyond.

Opposition remains strong, particularly from Beyond Nuclear, which has labeled the restart plan as unnecessary and risky. Their statement described it as “a grand nuclear experiment,” and raised concerns about public safety and environmental impact. The group has indicated its intention to challenge any final approval in federal court.