NRC Reauthorizes Palisades Operating License in Historic First for U.S. Nuclear Industry

In a major milestone for the U.S. nuclear industry, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has formally approved Holtec’s request to transition the Palisades Nuclear Plant from decommissioning status back to an operating license.

The NRC’s action reflects its thorough review of Palisades’ licensing basis under the agency’s existing regulatory framework, marking the first time a previously shut-down U.S. nuclear plant has received approval to return to operations.

“This is a proud and historic moment for our team, for Michigan, and for the United States,” said Holtec International President Kelly Trice. “The NRC’s approval to transition Palisades back to an operating license represents an unprecedented milestone in U.S. 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.”

With this approval, Palisades is authorized to receive new fuel and formally transition licensed reactor operators to on-shift status. The plant continues to progress towards a timely restart, with extensive readiness work underway – including rigorous testing, inspections, and maintenance – to ensure a safe and reliable return to service under ongoing independent federal oversight.

Once returned to service, Palisades will generate more than 800 megawatts of safe, reliable, and carbon-free baseload power – enough to power more than 800,000 households. The restart of Palisades will enhance grid reliability and help meet growing energy demand in Michigan and beyond.

Commenting on this historic milestone, Holtec Chief Nuclear Officer Rich Burroni, Holtec Vice President of Licensing, Regulatory Affairs, and PSA Jean Fleming, and Palisades Site Vice President Mike Mlynarek offered: 
“This milestone is a testament to the expertise and determination of Holtec’s licensing team, whose work made this historic approval possible. It also reflects the dedication of the Palisades team working every day to safely return the plant to service, along with the strong support we’ve received from our corporate organization and peers across the nuclear industry.”

The project is led by approximately 600 full-time nuclear professionals at Palisades and supported by
approximately 1,000 skilled trades workers, vendors, and suppliers. Backed by strong bipartisan support from federal, state, and local partners, underpinned by long-term power purchase agreements with key business partners, the restart effort is also a testament to the commitment of the surrounding community – whose belief in Palisades helped make this milestone possible.

As the first soon-to-be successful restart of a U.S. nuclear plant in decommissioning, the Palisades project will mark a turning point – soon to be followed by the deployment of small modular reactors and other advanced nuclear technologies in Michigan and across the country. The Palisades restart affirms the critical role nuclear power plays in meeting national energy needs, supporting U.S. energy independence, and powering a new era of safe, reliable electricity.