Nuclear

Operator training, coolant system refurbishment the latest steps toward Palisades nuclear re-opening

26 former Palisades licensed operators have completed the requalification program to reclaim their NRC operating licenses.
Operator training, coolant system refurbishment the latest steps toward Palisades nuclear re-opening
(Overhead view of the Palisades spent fuel pool. Source: Holtec.)

The Palisades Nuclear Plant is making significant strides toward its restart, owner Holtec International said.

On August 9, the Covert Township, Michigan plant received initial accreditation for both its Operations and Maintenance & Technical training programs from the National Nuclear Accreditation Board. Holtec said this accreditation, which covers training, analysis, design and development programs, is essential for the final accreditation, which the company expects to receive next year.

In the meantime, Holtec said 26 former Palisades operators have completed their requalification program and reclaimed their NRC licenses. New operator training classes, started in early-2024, are on track to grant federal licenses by Spring 2025.

Holtec also said over 240 new personnel have been recruited this year, bringing the total on-site workforce to over 470 people. The team includes experienced staff, industry veterans and skilled newcomers, all supported by industry contractors and vendors.

Palisades is undergoing extensive inspections, testing, maintenance, system and equipment upgrades and modifications. This month, Holtec completed reactor vessel internal inspections. The teams are now proceeding with scheduled steam generator cleaning and inspections within the Reactor Building.

In July, the company completed the plant’s first-ever chemical cleaning of Palisades’ primary coolant system. Holtec said this refurbishment project would yield long-term benefits by drastically reducing the occupational dose rates throughout the plant’s repowering efforts and its service life.

In July, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chair Christopher Hanson told elected officials that environmental reviews are going well. He said the agency is reviewing the regulatory filings submitted by Holtec and expects to have a decision next May.

The goal is for Palisades to start producing energy by the fourth quarter of 2025. If and when it does, Palisades would become the U.S.’ first shut-down nuclear power plant to be recommissioned. The 800 MW plant would then be expected to produce baseload power until at least 2051.

Holtec acquired Palisades in June 2022 just after it was shut down. In early 2023, the company for federal loan funding to repower Palisades, which it received in the form of a $1.5 billion loan. The re-opening of Palisades has received bipartisan support from federal and state officials due to the need for clean, firm electrons on the grid.

In addition to the main 800 MW reactor, Holtec intends to use the Palisades site as the location for its first two small modular reactor units, which would potentially add an additional 800 MW of generation capacity at the site.

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