$57M disbursement of DOE loan propels restart of Palisades Nuclear Plant

COVERT TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The Palisades nuclear plant in Southwest Michigan is another step closer to resuming operations after receiving approval for a second disbursement in a major financial boost from the Department of Energy (DOE).

The DOE on Monday confirmed the next disbursement of a $1.52 billion loan, with nearly $57 million approved to aid in the plant’s restart process.

Nick Culp, a spokesperson for Holtec International, the company who owns Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, said that they are on track to restart the plant by October.

The plant’s revival would generate 800 megawatts of power and restore approximately 600 jobs to the community, according to Culp. Many of which were lost when the plant closed in May of 2022.

This would be the first nuclear power plant in U.S. history to reopen after shutting down operations.

“It’s a first of its kind for the United States. And to have it happening here in Covert Township, Van Buren County is very special,” Culp said.

Culp emphasized what he believes will be a positive impact on the local economy if the plant is able to restart, as well as the importance of nuclear power for the country’s energy future.

“I think today’s announcement really reaffirms the central role that nuclear energy is going to play in America’s energy future,” Culp said. “Not only is it reliable baseload generation, it’s about fortifying our own domestic energy security and showing to the world that we’re once again the leader in nuclear power.”

Kevin Kamps, radioactive waste specialist for Beyond Nuclear and vocal opponent of Holtec and the Palisade’s reopening, criticized the restart plan.

“This entire restart scheme is quite fraudulent and abusive of taxpayer money,” Kamps told News Channel 3.

Kamps expressed concerns about the plant’s safety.

“This reactor was a lemon from the start,” he said. “It’s now severely degraded. It’s a jalopy. It’s highly risky to safety, health, security, the environment. It’s insanely expensive for the public. And they’re going to start making more waste again out there, which has nowhere to go.”

Kamps vowed to fight the plant’s reopening.

“We’re going to fight it with everything we have,” he said.

The restart is still pending approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Representative Pauline Wendzel (R) Chairwoman of the House Energy Committee, statement:

The long awaited American nuclear renaissance is here. Today’s announcement from the Trump Administration affirms their commitment to increase domestic energy production, bolster our energy security, and lower costs for the people of Michigan. As America enters this golden age of energy dominance, Michigan is going to lead the way. In the coming days, the House Energy Committee will take action on the bipartisan nuclear package and cement our state’s position as the leader in the development of next generation nuclear technologies.

Representative Bill Huizenga (R) of Michigan’s 4th Congressional District, statement:

This repowering of Palisades means hundreds of good-paying jobs, lower costs, and the opportunity to position Southwest Michigan to be a leader in our nation’s energy independent future. I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Wright for advancing Southwest Michigan’s role in our mission to unleash American energy production and strengthen our national energy security.

I am proud to have led the charge in Congress supporting Holtec’s historic repowering of Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. Today’s decision is another key step towards providing 800MW of safe, carbon-free, and reliable energy as well as jobs and lower energy costs for our communities.