The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has officially granted Holtec International's request to revert the Palisades nuclear plant from decommissioning status to an operating licence.

The development marks the first instance in which a previously shut-down US nuclear plant has been approved to resume operations.

The pressurised water reactor situated in Covert, Michigan, halted operations in May 2022.

In late 2023, Holtec commenced submitting licensing and regulatory requests to facilitate the plant's return to operational status.

The NRC's decision follows a comprehensive assessment of Palisades' licensing foundation within the agency's current regulatory framework.

With the approval in place, Palisades is permitted to accept new fuel and officially transition licensed reactor operators to on-shift status.

The plant is making steady progress towards a timely restart, with comprehensive readiness efforts in progress, including thorough testing, inspections and maintenance, to guarantee a safe and reliable return to service under continuous independent federal oversight.

Palisades will produce more than 800MW of safe, reliable, and carbon-free baseload power, which will be sufficient to supply more than 800,000 households.

Holtec International president Kelly Trice stated: “This is a proud and historic moment for our team, for Michigan and for the United States. The NRC’s approval to transition Palisades back to an operating licence represents an unprecedented milestone in US nuclear energy.

“Our mission remains clear: to restart Palisades safely, securely, reliably and in support of America’s energy future – while supporting local jobs and economic growth for decades to come.” 

The restart of Palisades will improve grid reliability and assist in meeting the increasing energy demand in Michigan and beyond.

The project is spearheaded by 600 full-time nuclear professionals at Palisades, with the support of 1,000 skilled trades workers, vendors and suppliers.

The restart of the Palisades facility underscores the vital role that nuclear power plays in fulfilling national energy requirements, bolstering US energy independence and ushering in a new era of safe and reliable electricity.

This achievement will be succeeded by the introduction of small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear technologies in Michigan and nationwide.

In May 2025, US nuclear power firm NuScale Power obtained SMR design approval from the NRC for its enhanced 250 megawatts thermal/(77 megawatts electrical NuScale power modules.