Holtec International has submitted a license filing to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to restart the Palisades plant in Van Buren County.
Spokesperson Patrick O’Brien tells us this formally begins the process of seeking federal approval to get the plant running again.
“It’s another piece in the puzzle,” O’Brien said. “Last month, we announced that we had a power purchasing agreement signed with Wolverine Power. That was another piece. We have been working with the Department of Energy Loan Program Office for some funding. Governor Whitmer and the state of Michigan have been phenomenal. They’re providing $150 million.”
That $150 million was included in this year’s state budget with an understanding another $150 million will be coming. So, what’s the status of the $1 billion federal loan Holtec is seeking?
“With our discussions with DOE, we’re very hopeful that they see the benefit in repowering Palisades like we do. We hope to hear by early next year about that.”
O’Brien says if Palisades is allowed to reopen, it would be the first time in U.S. history a deactivated nuclear plant has been allowed to resume operations.
If all goes well, O’Brien says Palisades could be operating again by late 2025.
