US to revive Palisades nuclear plant to power 800,000 homes

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved Holtec International’s request to restart the Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan, marking the first time a previously shut-down U.S. nuclear plant has been authorized to resume operations. The 800-megawatt reactor, which had been shut down in 2022, is expected to power approximately 800,000 homes once fully operational. The NRC’s approval permits the plant to receive new fuel and transition licensed operators back on shift, with ongoing testing, inspections, and maintenance ensuring a safe and reliable restart under federal oversight. Holtec emphasized the significance of this milestone for the company, the state of Michigan, and the broader U.S. energy landscape, highlighting the plant’s role in enhancing grid reliability and supporting local jobs and economic growth. Beyond the immediate restart, Holtec plans to expand the Palisades site by deploying two SMR-300 small modular reactors (SMRs), aiming for commercial operation by 2030