Michigan’s Palisades Nuclear Plant Reaches Final Restart Phase; Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island Targets 2027

Palisades Power Plant in Covert Township, on Lake Michigan, has moved from “decommissioning” back to “operations” status. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) cleared the way after approving Holtec’s licensing package. The formal status switch happened on August 25, 2025. 

The NRC’s approval came in late July, and it marked a first in U.S. nuclear history: a shut plant returning to operations status. 

The plant is not yet making electricity. Crews still have work to do, and they’ll load fuel once all technical conditions are met. 

What work is still underway?

Holtec says teams are fixing and testing big systems. They’re reassembling the main generator and turbine, including reinstalling a 183-ton generator rotor. They’re also addressing steam generator tube repairs and cleaning. 

• Main generator and turbine: reassembly and inspections continue. 
• Steam generators: tube sleeving and related repairs are part of the plan, with follow-up cleaning. 
• Emergency systems: test runs and maintenance are ongoing. 

Holtec calls this phase “proud” and “historic.” One short line from company president Kelly Trice captures it: “Our mission remains clear: to restart Palisades safely, securely, and reliably.” 

Why safety and public info still matter

Michigan keeps a strong public program for nuclear radiological emergency preparedness. The state hosts guidance and contacts for residents near plants, including Palisades. It’s easy to find practical steps and planning details on the state’s page. 

Federal notices also show updated county-level emergency plans tied to Palisades. 

Learn more: Michigan EGLE – Nuclear Power Plants.

What’s happening in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is also moving. Constellation Energy plans to restart the former Three Mile Island Unit 1 (now the Crane Clean Energy Center). The company signed a 20-year deal with Microsoft to supply clean power to data centers. 

Constellation and state leaders now say the unit could return to service as early as 2027, which is about a year ahead of the original 2028 target. Several updates from June–July 2025 support that timeline shift. 

The project is large. It would bring back roughly 835 megawatts of carbon-free power. Studies and company estimates point to about 3,400 jobs and more than $3 billion in state and federal tax revenue over time. 

Quick table: how the two projects compare

Why this is a big deal

Electricity demand is rising. AI and data centers need steady power, and so do homes and factories. Nuclear plants can run around the clock and don’t emit carbon during generation. That makes restarts attractive to grid planners and big customers. 

Palisades’ status change proves a closed plant can move back to operations with tight oversight. It’s the first U.S. example. That sets a precedent other owners may study. 

Key points at a glance

• First-of-a-kind: Palisades became the first U.S. plant to move from decommissioning to operations status. 
• July approval: NRC approved the license actions that enabled the August status switch.
• Work continues: Generator/turbine reassembly and steam-generator repairs are active. 
• Pennsylvania push: Three Mile Island Unit 1, now “Crane,” aims for 2027 with a Microsoft PPA. 
• Jobs and taxes: Economic studies cite 3,400 jobs and more than $3B in tax revenues in PA. 
• Public info: Michigan’s emergency prep resources are open to residents. 

What to watch next

For Michigan, watch for fuel receipt, startup testing, and power ascension. Those steps need detailed checks before the grid sees output. 

For Pennsylvania, keep an eye on interconnection timing, NRC reviews, and workforce training. The 2027 goal is ambitious, but there’s momentum and demand.