Credit: Kristen Norman via Getty Images.

Corrosion cracking in the steam generators at the Palisades nuclear reactor “far exceed” estimates and will require repairs to go forward with plans to restart, according to a document published Wednesday (2 October) by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

The NRC’s findings come after the Biden-Harris Administration finalised earlier this week a $1.52bn loan guarantee to finance the restart of the 800MW nuclear facility in Michigan, marking the first recommissioning of a retired nuclear power plant in US history.  

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The regulator identified 1,163 of the 16,000 steam generator tubes with indications of stress cracking, which “far exceeded estimates based on previous operating history”.  

“Holtec must ensure the generators will meet NRC requirements if the agency authorises returning Palisades to operational status,” an NRC spokesperson told Reuters. Holtec plans to restart plant operations in 2025. 

A spokesperson from the company explained that potential maintenance wasn’t unexpected as the previous owner did not carry out any repairs when shutting the facility down. 

See Also:

They confirmed that Holtec remains on schedule to reopen the facility next year and expects the repairs to last 30 years.  

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Preliminary NRC inspectors have said a large number of generators require further analysis.  

Holtec are the new owners of the nuclear facility in Michigan and want to reopen the site after it shut in 2022. 

According to Power Technology’s parent company, GlobalData, total electricity generated in the US from nuclear sources hit 775,347.9 gigawatt-hours in 2023.