The Palisades nuclear reactor in Michigan has encountered significantly more corrosion damage than expected, according to a report released by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The findings highlight major stress cracking in the plant’s steam generators, which must be repaired before the facility can move forward with its planned restart.
This announcement follows the Biden-Harris Administration’s finalization of a $1.52 billion loan guarantee earlier, aimed at financing the recommissioning of the 800MW facility. The Palisades plant is the first retired nuclear power station in the U.S. to undergo plans for recommissioning.
According to the NRC, 1,163 out of 16,000 steam generator tubes showed signs of stress corrosion cracking, a figure that “far exceeded” expectations based on the plant’s previous operational history.
“Holtec must ensure the generators meet NRC standards before the agency can authorize the restart of Palisades,” an NRC spokesperson told Reuters.
Holtec, the plant’s owner, aims to return the facility to operational status by 2025.
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