Michigan’s Palisades nuclear plant is headed for a probable restart. Holtec International, the private company that purchased the plant, hopes to return it to service by the fourth quarter of 2025. Entergy’s closure of the facility in 2022 would bring an end to more than half a century of operation. Now, it wants to be America’s first commercial nuclear reactor to restart after being decommissioned. The plant’s revival hinges on approvals from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which has already granted permission for fuel loading into the reactor as of July 2025.
Holtec International is currently busy working on steam generator repairs at the Palisades plant. This piece addresses the shortcomings of typical maintenance practices. Due to these failures, Vogtle faced an unforeseen shutdown, which came two weeks ahead of schedule due to failure of a control rod with colorfully named “mechanical snubber device.” Our focus, and our continued commitment, lies in making sure that this plant is nothing less than perfect on all regulatory measures before returning to service.
Support and Funding
To facilitate the reopening efforts, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has provided significant financial assistance through a loan program aimed at increasing emissions-free nuclear power amidst growing electricity demands. Since that financial closure announcement in September 2024, Holtec has gone on to lock down $335 million of DOE-backed loan funds. This funding is designated only for the near-closing Palisades plant.
US DOE Secretary Chris Wright echoed the significance of this initiative, saying,
“Thanks to President Trump, the Department of Energy is working in tandem with our regulatory partners to accelerate the reopening of the Palisades nuclear plant and unleash a true American nuclear renaissance.”
In addition to financial support, Holtec has secured a site investigation contract with Enercon Services to assess geological, geophysical, and geotechnical conditions at the site for future development of twin Small Modular Reactors (SMR-300s). This may greatly improve the plant’s production capacity and operational efficiency.
Regulatory Landscape
A successful revival of the Palisades nuclear plant rests on completing necessary technical repairs. It takes more than just getting around the regulatory gauntlet. The NRC’s approval process is rigorous and absolutely critical to ensuring that safety, security, and environmental compliance are upheld. Holtec is doing its level best to fulfill every last condition imposed by the commission.
Holtec has meanwhile been moving forward with repairs and regulatory approvals. The successful revival of Palisades would be a huge win for the future of nuclear energy in the US.
“These efforts will help reinvigorate our nuclear industrial base, deliver lower energy costs for millions of Americans and strengthen our nation’s energy security.”
The possible restart of the Palisades nuclear plant out in Michigan isn’t just an anomaly. At 800 megawatts capacity—enough to power over a million homes during peak times—it has the capacity to powerfully address our growing electricity needs. Moreover, it’s drawing us closer to our emissions-free energy targets.
Future Outlook
Holtec, the DOE, and multiple state and federal regulatory agencies are still involved in a collaborative process to restart the Palisades plant. They are insistent that they don’t just want support for other reactors in financial distress. A $6 billion federal initiative launched last year—known as Reconnecting Communities—seeks to build on these efforts.
The collaboration between Holtec, the DOE, and various regulatory bodies indicates a concerted effort to not only bring back Palisades but also support other reactors facing financial challenges. A $6 billion federal initiative launched previously aims to strengthen these efforts.