The U.S. nuclear plan is underway with new generation reactors, and the plan is already facing criticism: “It’s a significant risk”
The Palisades plant, located in the state of Michigan, was closed in 2022 to begin a dismantling process that was reversed in August.
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in the United States, the Palisades plant operated from 1971 to 2022. Three years ago, its closure was agreed in order to begin the dismantling process.
At that time, the reactor was shut down. However, last summer the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission gave approval for the plant to resume operations, with Holtec, a leader in nuclear technology, playing a key role in the decision.
Work is now continuing on a reactivation planned for the beginning of this year, a clear demonstration of the renewed commitment to nuclear energy. This push is driven by rising electricity demand linked to the boom in artificial intelligence and data centres.
With this decision, Holtec has become the first company in the United States to reverse a nuclear plant’s decommissioning and restart operations. The Department of Energy also played a role, reaching an agreement with the company to provide a $1.52 billion loan.
Holtec’s plan is to turn Palisades into a nuclear energy hub through the installation of two small 300-megawatt modular reactors, which will be developed in New Jersey. The decision, however, has drawn criticism.
“It’s a significant risk,” said Touran, who described this bet on nuclear energy as a kind of “back to the future.” “If they don’t prove what they claim about how nuclear energy will save the world, it will become obsolete,” he concluded.
HISTORIC NUCLEAR RESTART MILESTONE
— Paris-Ortiz-Wines (@ParisOrtizWines) July 25, 2025
For the first time ever in the U.S., the NRC has approved a license transfer for a shut down nuclear plant—Palisades—to move from decommissioning back to operating!
The plant aims to be restarted by the end of 2025, bringing 800 MWs of clean… pic.twitter.com/8aNM43nTYF
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