A local nuclear power plant is making another push for a second life.
Holtec International announced Monday it will once again attempt to secure funds for restarting the former Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. The company says it will reapply for the Department of Energy Civil Nuclear Credit program early next year.
“The repowering of Palisades is of vital importance to Michigan’s clean energy future,” said Holtec’s Director of Government Affairs and Communications Patrick O’Brien, in a prepared statement. “This decision to reapply is one that we did not take lightly, but the support of the State of Michigan, local officials, and key stakeholders – who recognize the significant benefit in providing a safe, reliable, carbon-free power source, as well as providing a significant economic impact through good paying jobs and the use of many local goods and services – leads us to believe this is the best path forward for the facility and our state.”
Last month, The U.S. Department of Energy rejected an application from Holtec International for a grant to keep the plant going. Holtec in September applied for the federal grant under the Civilian Nuclear Credit program, which was established to avoid premature retirements of reactors due to financial hardship.
In an interview, O’Brien said Holtec got a very good understanding of where it missed its opportunity during their last application.
“We put together a good project team that I think understands what the DOE is looking for in that application,” O’Brien said. “We think, if we put together the right package it can ultimately be approved.”
The window to apply for the program opens in late January, according to O’Brien. He added the company would not be going through this effort if they didn’t think Palisades was a key piece to Michigan’s energy needs.
“Our team at Palisades will remain focused on decommissioning during this time with a focus on managing the spent fuel removal from the spent fuel pool to dry cask storage,” said O’Brien, in the statement. “We appreciate their professionalism and focus to ensuring the health and safety of the public. Holtec is a technology company at our core. For almost 40 years we have built our reputation on helping solve challenges that the nuclear industry has faced. We believe that nuclear power is key to both a greener future and ensuring energy independence for our country.”
Holtec’s original attempt to keep Palisades open had the backing of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and the current push is supported by local organizations. According to reporting by The Herald-Palladium, Market Van Buren is submitting letters of support as part of the application process.
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
