Palisades nuclear power plant returns to operational status
The Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan (USA), which was previously shut down for decommissioning, has officially regained operational status as efforts continue to restart the facility later this year.
Palisades, a single-unit pressurized water reactor (PWR), ceased operations in May 2022 and was defueled in June 2022, despite holding a license valid until March 2031. The license was transferred from the former operator, Entergy Nuclear Operations, to Holtec Decommissioning International, LLC, and Holtec Palisades, LLC, for decommissioning purposes. However, in late 2023, Holtec initiated the process of obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals to return the plant to service for the remainder of its licensing term.
Following the completion of technical reviews, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved on 24 July the transfer of operating authority for the plant and its independent spent fuel storage facility from Holtec Decommissioning International LLC to Palisades Energy LLC. The NRC also approved the reinstatement of documents and programs previously in place before the shutdown, including technical specifications, the emergency plan, emergency action levels, physical security plan, and programs for quality assurance, maintenance, and in-service inspections.
Palisades becomes the first U.S. nuclear power plant in history to return from decommissioning to operational status
Holtec announced that on 25 August, the plant formally transitioned from decommissioning to operational status under NRC oversight, making Palisades the first U.S. nuclear plant in history to shift back from decommissioning to operation.
In a 25 August letter to the NRC, Holtec stated that Palisades Energy was rescinding the certifications of permanent cessation of operations and permanent removal of fuel from the reactor vessel. The company described this action as “a necessary step to support reimplementation of the plant’s power operations licensing basis”.
Holtec added that Palisades is now authorized to receive nuclear fuel and restart the plant once conditions permitted under the approved technical specifications are met. The plant’s Emergency Plan is fully active, supported by a trained Emergency Response Organization that recently completed a FEMA- and NRC-graded exercise with state and local partners. These measures place Palisades in the final phase of restart preparations, while inspections, testing, and maintenance continue under rigorous independent federal oversight.
The plant is now authorized to receive nuclear fuel and plans to restart operations before the end of 2025
Holtec previously indicated it intends to restart Palisades in the fourth quarter of this year. Before official power operations resume, extensive project work will be completed. The company also plans to apply for a license renewal in the first quarter of 2026, which would extend the plant’s operating period by an additional 20 years, through 2051.
The United States has 94 reactors in operation that in 2024 produced 18,2% of the country's electricity.
Source: WNN
Cover image: Aerial view of Palisades (Photo: Holtec International)
