Progress Report on Palisades’ March to Startup

[Marlin]

Progress Report on Palisades' March to Startup

https://holtecinternational.com/hh-41-22/

[Core Content]

Holtec International began loading fuel into the Palisades reactor vessel on August 30, 2026, entering Mode 6. During the process, a fuel assembly tilted, prompting a root cause evaluation and preparations for retrieval. Meanwhile, the plant successfully reconnected to its high voltage switchyard on September 11.

The single unit, 767 megawatt facility remains offline as operators address the fuel handling event and complete required system testing. Progression toward commercial operation depends on resolving the affected assembly and securing necessary regulatory approvals from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This project represents the first attempted repowering of a permanently shut down commercial reactor in the United States.

Holtec's Palisades Nuclear Power Plant continues to perform the work necessary to return the plant to safe and reliable operation, including fuel-loading-related activities, plant testing and restoration, and preparations for the next stages of startup. This Holtec Highlights issue summarizes the present status.

Palisades entered Mode 6 (Refueling) and began loading fuel into the reactor vessel on August 30, 2026. During fuel-loading activities, one fuel assembly tilted from its upright position after it had been placed, and the fuel-handling machine grapple had been disengaged. Plant personnel responded promptly in accordance with established procedures, and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) was notified. Plant personnel evaluated the incident and determined that it did not trigger the...

Read the full article at Holtec International:
https://holtecinternational.com/hh-41-22/