Holtec, a supplier for the energy industry, has filed an application with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to begin the process for federal reauthorisation of the 800MW Palisades nuclear power plant in Covert Township, Michigan.

The filing follows Holtec’s meetings with the NRC to formally repower the nuclear plant within the agency’s regulatory framework.

Palisades was a safe and reliable power plant before it was shut down in May 2022.

The company acquired the power plant the following month and it is now on track to become the first nuclear power plant in the US to restart operations.

Holtec also plans to install two small modular reactors (SMRs), each with 300MW of capacity.

With the addition of the two SMRs, Palisades will eliminate seven million tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

In 2023 Holtec applied to the Loan Programs Office of the US Department of Energy.

In July 2023, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer authorised $150m for the plant’s funding and in August Holtec signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Wolverine Power Co-operative, a rural electric cooperative, to sell the electricity the plant generated.

Holtec International licensing, regulatory affairs and probabilistic safety analysis vice-president Jean Fleming stated: “Our licensing submission is a significant step in exploring the potential for Palisades to continue contributing to the region’s energy and economic needs, while adhering to the highest safety and regulatory standards.

“We understand the importance of nuclear power in our nation’s energy mix and the critical role it plays in providing safe, reliable, carbon-free electricity here in Michigan. Palisades’ safety and operational performance met the industry’s highest standards when it was taken offline last year.

“Its systems and equipment remain well maintained and in excellent material condition. This licensing submission is the first of a series intended to return Palisades to full operation.”