COVERT TOWNSHIP, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Palisades nuclear power plant has completed another step towards restarting.
Holtec officials say they have successfully completed passivation of its primary system and say that’s an “essential step to ensure long-term equipment reliability and a key milestone in the ongoing effort to return the plant to service.”
The team brought the primary system to normal operating pressure and temperature for the first time since it was shut down in 2022.
The system will now be cooled and prepared for additional testing, equipment upgrades, and preparations for fuel loading. Additional activities underway include upgrades to the fuel handling system, switchyard restoration work, completion of required surveillances, and final closeout of major maintenance evolutions.
Other recent accomplishments include completing more than 300 inspections of piping and welds, as well as reinstalling the main turbine generator.
Holtec is trying to make Palisades the first nuclear power plant to restart in the U.S. after it was shut down for decommissioning. This despite efforts by environmental groups, led by Beyond Nuclear, who claim that these efforts are flawed and dangerous.
State House Representative Joey Andrews, a St. Joseph Democrat, has issues with those arguments.
An exact date for the restart of the Palisades plant has yet to be determined.
-Gary Stevens, WHTC-AM/FM Holland, contributed to this report
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