Updated Sept 9, 2025 – Palisades is officially the first nuclear plant in U.S. history to move from decommissioning back to operations. On August 25, 2025, the Palisades Power Plant in Covert Township, Michigan, officially transitioned from decommissioning to operations status under the oversight of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This milestone follows the NRC’s July 24 approval of Holtec’s licensing request to reclassify the plant’s power operations.
Reported July 25 – The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved Holtec International’s request to reclassify the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert Township, Michigan, from decommissioning back to operational status. With this approval, Palisades was now in the official process of being cleared to accept new nuclear fuel and resume full operational planning, including assigning licensed reactor operators to active duty.
Rigorous Safety Protocols and Restart Measures
As the Palisades facility moved toward reactivation, Holtec undertook an extensive restart program. This included thorough system inspections, repairs to the steam generator, and replacement of reactor vessel components.
The process was closely monitored by federal regulators, including the Nuclear Safety Review Board and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). According to Holtec officials, safety is a top priority. Before the plant can be fully officially restarted, it had to meet stringent NRC requirements through ongoing oversight and compliance checks. This goes a long way in metering disasters like Japan’s Fukushima disaster that has been rated on the same scale as Chernobyl. Recently, the country has also been making its historic nuclear comeback since the disaster.
Powering Michigan and Driving Economic Revitalization
Now operational, Palisades is expected to generate over 800 megawatts of carbon-free baseload power, supplying clean electricity to more than 800,000 homes across Michigan.
Additionally, the restart will bring substantial economic benefits to the region. Approximately 600 permanent jobs will be supported by Holtec, and an additional 1,000 skilled workers will be involved during maintenance cycles.
The site also eyes future developments. This includes the introduction of Holtec’s next-generation SMR-300 small modular reactors by 2030.
Small Modular Reactors also seem to be the American nuclear choice. North Dakota recently made official its plans for the design of a nuclear roadmap. The state’s legislature chose Nucleon Energy for the year-long assessment which will see SMR adoption in North Dakota begin before 2030, if proven viable.
A Blueprint for America’s Nuclear Energy Future
Originally launched in 1971, the Palisades plant was decommissioned in 2022. However, a renewed vision led by Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, and support by a $150 million state funding alongside a $1.5 billion conditional loan from the U.S. Department of Energy, paved the way for its revival.
As the first successfully restarted nuclear plant in the country, Palisades becomes a model for others. Its return represents a critical turning point in U.S. nuclear policy. It also reinforces the role of nuclear energy in achieving energy independence as championed by the Trump administration.
Additionally, as perks of this awakening are the reduction in carbon emissions and revitalization of local economies through long-term infrastructure investment. This is also evident in other states like Washington which expects the completion of
Project Overview
Historic First: Palisades is the first U.S. nuclear plant to move from decommissioning back to an active operating license.
NRC Approval: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved Holtec’s request to restart the plant in July 2024.
Clean Energy Output: Palisades will generate 800+ megawatts of carbon-free electricity.
Power Supply: The plant will power over 800,000 homes in Michigan.
Economic Impact: 600 permanent jobs. 1,000 more during maintenance cycles.
Federal Support: Holtec secured a conditional $1.5 billion federal loan for the restart.
State Support: Michigan provided $150 million in funding to back the reopening.
Future Plans: Holtec aims to deploy SMR-300 small modular reactors on-site by 2030.
Energy Security: The restart reinforces U.S. goals for grid reliability and nuclear energy independence.
