Palisades Nuclear Restart
The first U.S. nuclear plant to restart after closure, in Michigan.
🔄 RESTART IN PROGRESSLast updated: March 2026
OwnerHoltec International
LocationCovert Township, Michigan
Capacity800 MW (PWR)
DOE Loan$1.52 billion (finalized)
Current StatusFinal milestone phase; testing underway
Expected RestartMid-2026 (no firm date; driven by testing)
LicenseExtended through 2051
Future ExpansionTwin SMR-300 reactors (2030s)
800 MW
Reactor Capacity
$1.52B
DOE Loan
2026
Target Restart
+SMRs
Future Expansion
Project Basics
- Owner: Holtec International
- Location: Covert Township, Michigan
- Grid: MISO
- Reactor: Pressurized Water Reactor
- License Extension: Through 2051
Why It Matters
Palisades is the first U.S. nuclear plant to restart after permanent shutdown, a significant precedent. Holtec also plans to build SMR-300 small modular reactors at the site, making it a testbed for the future of American nuclear power.
📅 Timeline
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Jan 2026Holtec submits SMR-300 construction permit application to NRC for twin reactors at Palisades site
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Late 2025Restart delayed from Oct 2025 to Feb–Mar 2026; additional refurbishment work needed
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2025New fuel shipments arrive; NRC authorizes fuel loading preparations
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Mar 2024DOE finalizes $1.52B conditional loan guarantee
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Sep 2023DOE announces conditional commitment for $1.52B loan
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Jun 2022Holtec acquires Palisades with plan to restart
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May 2022Palisades permanently shuts down after 51 years of operation
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1971Palisades begins commercial operation
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