Paul Ohep, EnergieNet
HOUSTON
Energiesnet.com 03 01 2023
Holtec International, the owner of the Palisades nuclear plant near South Haven, will reapply for federal funding in an attempt to revive the shuttered plant. The company applied for funds through the U.S. Energy Department’s Civil Nuclear Credit Program after the plant was officially shut down in May 20, 2022, according to Holtec International.
The proposal to restart the Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan is receiving strong support from local, state, and federal authorities. The company’s decision to apply for funding from the DOE loan office was prompted by the denial of a grant through the Civil Nuclear Credit program, reported The Herald-Palladium.
Constellation Corporation is rumored to be the new operating partner due to its vast experience and personnel. Constellation is a leading nuclear power plant operator in the United States with over 19,000 megawatts. is nation’s largest producer of carbon-free energy, a Fortune 200 company traded on the The Nasdaq Stock Market. The company operates in 48 states. Constellation experience in the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants, make an ideal partner for Holtec in the Palisades restart project, industry sources say.
While the Palisades nuclear power plant has been in operation since 1971, it was scheduled to be shut down in 2018 due to economic factors. However, the shutdown was postponed until 2022 due to a power purchase agreement with Consumers Energy, one of Michigan’s energy suppliers.
There are still some regulatory hurdles that need to be addressed, such as the NRC possibly granting an exemption for currently licensed operators who have not been doing continuing training as required by federal guidelines. Holtec expects to receive a response to its DOE request in a few months, and if approved, there would be plenty of work to do at the plant before it can be repowered. A power purchase agreement that would enable the repayment of the loan would also need to be arranged.
Also there are other steps that need to be taken before the plant can be repowered, including maintenance and staffing issues. Operating personnel will have to start training sometime in the second quarter of 2023 to meet the minimum operating manning by the time the new fuel bundles are delivered. Fuel bundles are custom-made and could take up to two years to be delivered, according to knowledgeable sources within the U.S. nuclear industry.
The Palisades nuclear power plant has been a significant contributor to the West Michigan economy for over 50 years. The plant is in Van Buren County and employs over 600 people, with an additional 1,800 jobs indirectly supported by the plant. In addition to providing jobs, the Palisades plant also provides economic benefits to the region through its purchase of goods and services. The plant spends over $100 million annually on goods and services from local businesses, supporting the local economy and creating additional jobs. These businesses include everything from construction firms to suppliers of specialized equipment and materials.
The restart of Palisades would also help Michigan meet its carbon reduction goals and strengthen the state’s energy infrastructure.
The proposed restart of is an important step towards providing the region with clean, reliable, and carbon-free energy while supporting jobs and economic growth. With the support of local, state, and federal authorities, Holtec International is optimistic that the project will move forward.
EnergiesNet.com 03 01 2023
