nuclear plant

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released over $56 million in funding to Holtec International to help restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan.

Supporters of the restart say historic levels of federal and state subsidies, and a committed customer for the next 30 years, should mean better financial results for Palisades' second act.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer told an economic forum Monday that nuclear energy is a necessary part of her goal to generate all of Michigan’s electricity without fossil fuels.

The southwest Michigan plant was rumored to be set for the loan last month. The plant could come online in late 2025.

Environmental groups have asked the Department of Energy to require an Environmental Impact Statement to ensure the shuttered Palisades nuclear plant is safe before giving it $1 billion dollars to restart the power plant.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, anything above 300 megawatts but below 700 megawatts would actually be considered a “medium” nuclear reactor. But the federal government doesn’t have a strict definition.

The owner of the Palisades Nuclear Plant in southwest Michigan said there’s still hope for restarting the out-of-service facility. But no nuclear plant in the U.S. has successfully restarted after officially closing.

A bill in a Michigan Senate committee would require a study to look at the potential effects of building nuclear plants in the state.

The Palisades power plant in Covert, Michigan was shut down last last week, likely for the last time. Decommissioning the plant to follow, unless state finds a last-minute buyer.

Michigan could study building more nuclear facilities under a plan advancing in the state Legislature.