Work underway in the interior of the Palisades plant
Holtec later pursued restarting the facility and, in late 2023, began seeking necessary licensing approvals. To resume operations, Holtec must secure NRC approval to restore the plant’s licensing basis, ensure plant components support safe operation, and implement required upgrades. The NRC will review licensing documents, inspect new and restored components, and maintain ongoing oversight through a dedicated Palisades Nuclear Plant Restart Panel to ensure system reliability.
The NRC’s environmental review, conducted with the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office as a cooperating agency, evaluated Holtec’s licensing requests. It incorporated new information since the October 2006 review for the plant’s prior license renewal. The assessment confirmed no significant environmental concerns related to the restart. The project is supported by a $1.5 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy.
At the time of its closure, Palisades was licensed to operate until 2031. Holtec informed the NRC in 2023 of its intent to apply for a subsequent license renewal in the first quarter of 2026, potentially extending operations to 2051. In an April update, Holtec reported that restart efforts remain on schedule and within budget, targeting resumption in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Holtec also announced plans to develop an SMR-300 small modular reactor at the Palisades site, aiming for commercial operation by 2030. The company’s efforts reflect a commitment to advancing clean energy infrastructure while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.
