Michigan Nuclear Reactor Set for Historic Restart

Michigan's Palisades Nuclear Plant, shut down two years ago, is slated for a historic restart following a $400 million investment. This funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will finance the recommissioning of the existing reactor and the installation of two advanced small modular reactors. This dual-technology approach is projected to nearly double the site's output, supplying carbon-free electricity to an estimated 1.4 million Michigan households and businesses. The investment also aims to secure approximately 900 jobs, with the operational life of the plant potentially extended to at least 2051. Despite the project's promise for clean energy and economic stability, it faces significant opposition. Environmental groups have filed a federal lawsuit, alleging a "bait-and-switch" scheme and questioning Holtec International's operational experience. Concerns have been raised about the safety risks of restarting a 1960s-era reactor and the potential for catastrophic meltdowns.