Fuel Loading Begins in Palisades Nuclear Power Plant Restart Process
Holtec International has begun loading fuel into the reactor as part of efforts to restart the shuttered Palisades nuclear power plant.
The process of loading fuel into the reactor core has officially begun at the decommissioned Palisades nuclear power plant in the US as part of efforts to bring the facility back into operation.
Fuel Loading Process Begins
Holtec International has begun the fuel loading process at the Palisades nuclear power plant as it continues its efforts to restart a closed nuclear reactor for the first time.
The reactor core consists of a total of 204 fuel assemblies, including partially used fuel assemblies remaining from the Michigan facility's final operating cycles before it was taken out of service in 2022.
Important Statement from Executives
Fadi Diya, Chief Nuclear Officer at Holtec International, stated that the fuel loading phase is a very significant milestone.
Diya emphasized that this stage reflects the great efforts of the employees who brought the facility to this point, and that they are focused on carrying out the remaining work with discipline for a safe and reliable operation.
History and Closure of the Plant
Palisades, a single-unit 805 MWe pressurized water reactor, entered commercial operation in 1971.
The previous owner, Entergy, announced plans to close the facility in 2016, and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved the transfer of the license in 2021.
License Transfer and Restart
The reactor was taken out of service by Entergy on May 20, 2022, and defueled as of June 10.
The license was transferred to Holtec companies in the same month, and license approval processes for restarting the facility were initiated shortly thereafter.
Comprehensive Maintenance and Modernization
Holtec stated that comprehensive inspection, maintenance, refurbishment, and testing programs are being implemented to prepare the station for long-term operations.
Major works included strengthening the tubes in the steam generators, replacing control rod drive mechanism nozzles, and chemical decontamination of the primary system.
Future Plans and License Extension
Holtec announced its intention to apply for a second license renewal to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2024.
While this step aims to extend the facility's operating period by another 20 years until 2051, plans are also moving forward for the future deployment of SMR-300 units at the site.