In an unprecedented development for the nuclear sector, the Palisades nuclear plant in Southwest Michigan has achieved a significant milestone by transitioning back to operational status after a three-year decommissioning period. This marks the first instance in the U.S. of a nuclear plant being revived post-decommissioning.
Although the plant is not yet producing electricity, its new status allows for the reception of fresh fuel pending final inspections and reassembly. Holtec International, the plant’s owner, has not specified when electricity generation will resume.
“When Palisades returns to service, it will produce more than 800 megawatts of safe, clean, and baseload electricity – enough to power over 800,000 homes and businesses,” announced the company on Tuesday. “Beyond strengthening Michigan’s energy security, this achievement signals a historic first for the nuclear industry and reinforces the essential role of nuclear power in America’s energy future.”
This development follows extensive discussions and considerations with federal regulators, affirming the plant’s ability to operate safely after its half-century history. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted the necessary approvals for this restart through a series of approvals in late July.
The restart has garnered support from multiple government levels. The federal government committed over $1.5 billion in loan guarantees, supplemented by significant financial contributions from Michigan. Local governments, including Covert township and South Haven city council, have also expressed their approval.
However, the plan has faced opposition. Some local residents have voiced concerns, citing a history of safety violations at the plant in the early 2000s.
Alan Blind, a former nuclear plant engineer who worked at Palisades, has been vocal about his apprehensions. He has questioned the regulatory procedures and the plant’s safety. Blind filed petitions in July highlighting that Palisades has not fulfilled safety reporting requirements concerning the status of the tubes linked to its steam generator, among other issues. He petitioned the NRC to halt the loading of new fuel until further regulatory conditions are satisfied.
Holtec’s announcement also mentioned the completion of repairs on the steam generator tubes, following issues discovered in last year’s inspection. The company aims to resume electricity production before the year’s end.
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