Holtec International announced on July 02, 2026, that the Palisades restart project has successfully transitioned from large-scale construction activities to the final phase of routine maintenance, testing, and operational readiness. This shift marks a watershed moment in the historic effort to reopen the nuclear facility, with over 5,000 individual work activities still pending before startup. The completion of major projects underscores significant progress toward restoring the plant to safe and reliable operation.

Among the final accomplishments in this project phase was the placement of the plant's turbine-generator on turning gear. This step followed extensive inspections, maintenance, testing, and refurbishment activities. Additionally, the installation and testing of a new state-of-the-art fuel handling machine were completed, finalizing the upgraded fuel handling system.

These projects represent the culmination of major efforts across the station. The restart initiative included reactor vessel inspections, replacement of reactor head penetrations, primary system chemical decontamination and passivation, steam generator tube refurbishment, and secondary-side cleaning. Other critical tasks involved fuel receipt and inspection, operator training and requalification, and numerous equipment upgrades and modernization projects.

Operational Readiness and Oversight

With the projects phase concluded, plant management has shifted focus to the Operations Command Center (OCC) and dedicated coordination teams. These teams are managing work around the clock to prepare the station for fuel load and startup. The OCC is overseeing the safe execution of remaining testing and verification activities.

The site has also engaged with senior leadership from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Commissioners Douglas Weaver and Bradley Crowell, along with senior staff from the Office of the Executive Director for Operations and the Office of the Chief Nuclear Reactor Inspector, toured the facility and received updates on restart activities.

Political Support and Strategic Impact

A bipartisan congressional delegation, including U.S. Representative Bill Huizenga and U.S. Representative Scott Peters, visited the site to review progress. Their visit highlights broad support from local, state, and federal leaders for the restart program. The return of the facility is expected to strengthen energy reliability and support jobs in Southwest Michigan.

Holtec Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kris Singh emphasized the collaboration between government and private industry. The Palisades restart is the first-ever reopening of a U.S. nuclear facility. Holtec continues to focus on meeting all federal requirements and industry standards before the plant resumes operations.

Holtec International and EDF have submitted a joint proposal to the UK Government for the deployment of Holtec’s SMR-300 small modular reactors at Cottam in Nottinghamshire. The project targets the installation of up to four units, representing approximately 1.3 gigawatts of clean, reliable generating capacity. This initiative aims to repurpose the former coal power station site, utilizing existing grid infrastructure to support the next generation of nuclear energy and revitalize the local economy.

The submission aligns with the UK’s Advanced Nuclear Framework, established to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies and encourage private-sector participation. Holtec and EDF have also signed Heads of Terms to establish a joint venture to advance the project’s development. The partnership combines EDF’s operating and development experience with Holtec’s SMR-300 technology and manufacturing expertise.

Project Details and Strategic Alignment

The Cottam project leverages a market-led approach, relying on private investment and proven technology. By building on the historic Cottam site, the companies plan to transform the region’s coal heritage into a hub for advanced nuclear energy. The project follows Holtec’s recent completion of the United Kingdom’s Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process for the SMR-300, which confirmed the technology's fundamental safety, security, and environmental adequacy.

Corporate Expansion and Regulatory Progress

Holtec plans to significantly expand its presence in the UK, including a larger operation center and the evaluation of a manufacturing plant for nuclear equipment. The Cottam site is designated as a second-of-a-kind (SOAK) deployment, following the first-of-a-kind (FOAK) Pioneer units in Michigan, USA. Holtec’s construction permit application for the twin Pioneer units is currently under review by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Cooperation between the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is expected to benefit both the Pioneer and Cottam projects. Dr. Rick Springman, President of Holtec International, highlighted the long-standing partnership with EDF and the UK’s regulatory framework as key drivers for the project’s advancement. Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF UK, emphasized the project's support for the UK government’s ambition to expand nuclear capacity.