“The Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan has officially returned to operational status after being in decommissioning for three years.”
Michigan’s Palisades plant changed from decommissioned to operational status in August 2025, the first time a US reactor has reversed course from shutdown. Holtec bought the plant to tear it down but pivoted after securing a $1.52 billion federal loan guarantee and $150 million from Michigan. Crews are reassembling the turbine and generator, and 68 fuel assemblies have been delivered. Commercial operation has slipped to early 2026. The Energy Department also announced $400 million to add two small modular reactors to the site, bringing total planned capacity to 1,400 megawatts.