Latest news with #Holtec
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NRC environmental assessment: ‘no significant impact' from Palisades reactor restart
This story was originally published on Utility Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Utility Dive newsletter. Holtec International's efforts to restart the 800-MW Palisades nuclear power plant pose 'no significant impact' to the human environment, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said on Friday. The official notice of NRC's finding removes a potential roadblock to what is expected to be the first recommissioning of a retired nuclear reactor in the United States later this year. NRC issued a draft finding of no significant impact, or FONSI, for the western Michigan plant in January, prompting a challenge from local and national anti-nuclear groups. 'Pending all federal reviews and approvals, our restart project is on track and on budget to bring Palisades back online by the fourth quarter of the year,' Nick Culp, Holtec's senior manager of government affairs and communications, said in an email. The FONSI is a 'major milestone on our regulatory path to reauthorize plant operations,' Culp added. NRC continues to review other aspects of the Palisades restart process, including a request to approve Holtec's method for repairing an onsite steam generator system that NRC said last year showed wear that 'far exceeded estimates based on previous operating history.' The wear may have been caused by shutdown crews not following protocol while laying up the plant in 2022, Holtec spokesperson Pat O'Brien told Reuters in October. NRC's review timeline has slipped since March, when the commission said it would rule on outstanding licensing matters by July 31. Its website now shows an estimated completion date of Sept. 30 for the steam generator review, the last item on its docket. But Holtec's own estimates of when Palisades could power back up have not changed significantly from the October 2025 target O'Brien gave Utility Dive last September. Unlike many clean energy projects that received financial commitments from the Biden administration, the Palisades restart appears to have the full support of the Trump administration. Despite losing up to half its staff since January, the U.S. Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office has thus far made at least three loan disbursements to Holtec out of a $1.5 billion loan guarantee, complementing a roughly $1.3 billion U.S. Department of Agriculture award to two regional electric cooperatives to support power purchases from the plant. Michigan's 2025 state budget includes $300 million in funding for the plant. Holtec could spend as much as $500 million of its own money on the restart, O'Brien told Utility Dive last year. The company plans to apply for a 20-year renewal of the reactor's operating license, potentially extending its operations until 2051, and aims to commission two 300-MW small modular reactors on the site in the early 2030s. Former owner Entergy permanently shut down Palisades in May 2022 and sold it to Holtec the following month. Holtec made the first public moves toward restarting the plant in late 2023, marking the first U.S. effort to restart a retiring commercial power reactor. Since then, the owners of two other recently-shuttered U.S. nuclear power plants have moved to restart them. Backed by a 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft, Constellation Energy said in September it will restart the undamaged 835-MW reactor at Three Mile Island — now called the Crane Clean Energy Center — by 2028. And NextEra Energy has taken preliminary steps to restart the 600-MW reactor at its Duane Arnold nuclear plant in Iowa, which shuttered in 2020. Recommended Reading DOE makes $1.5B conditional loan commitment to help Holtec restart Palisades nuclear plant
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
US approves environmental review for Michigan nuclear plant restart
WASHINGTON, May 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. on Friday said Holtec's planned restart of the Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan would not harm the environment, a needed step in its plan to become the first such plant to return from permanent shutdown. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission conducted the environmental review of the Palisades reactor restart with the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office. Opponents of the restart had expressed concerns that steam generator tubes at Palisades are degraded because standard maintenance procedures were not followed when the plant went into shutdown. Holtec says it is plugging the tubes. The LPO, which supports nuclear projects that are unable to get bank loans, closed a $1.52 billion loan guarantee for the Palisades restart in September 2024. President Donald Trump's administration provided the third disbursement of that financing, nearly $47 million, in April. Power company Entergy (ETR.N), opens new tab shut the 800-megawatt Palisades reactor in 2022, two weeks ahead of schedule over a glitch with a control rod. It had generated electricity for more than 50 years. Holtec bought the plant to decommission it, but now hopes to reopen it. U.S. power demand has been rising for the first time in two decades on the boom in data centers and artificial intelligence. Holtec says Palisades could reopen as soon as October. But it needs additional permits from the NRC. "Pending all federal reviews and approvals, our restart project is on track and on budget to bring Palisades back online by the fourth quarter of the year," said Holtec spokesperson Nick Culp. Alan Blind, engineering director at the plant from 2006 to 2013, said in an editorial this month that if steam generator problems lead to a shutdown, it would "erode public confidence, damage investor trust, and raise serious safety concerns." The NRC is reviewing Holtec's proposed repairs, said Scott Burnell, an agency spokesperson. "Holtec must demonstrate the Palisades steam generators will fulfill their safety functions before the plant restarts," Burnell said.
E&E News
19-05-2025
- Business
- E&E News
White House rolls out a multibillion-dollar US-UAE nuclear deal … then deletes it
The White House announced a historic multibillion-dollar partnership between Holtec and United Arab Emirates' investment giant IHC to build a fleet of small nuclear reactors, but that's been difficult to verify. According to a Friday email sent by the White House's Office of Communications, the deal would see Abu Dhabi's International Holding Co. (IHC) commit up to $30 billion to deploy Holtec International's SMR-300 small modular reactor technology globally — a gargantuan sum, even for the nuclear industry. The announcement came alongside a broader suite of $200 billion in U.S.-UAE commercial deals. The original White House email read: 'Holtec International and IHC Industrial Holding Company (IHC) are entering cooperation to build a fleet of Holtec's SMR-300 small modular reactors, starting at the Palisades site in Michigan. This agreement includes a commitment of $10 billion, and an additional $20 billion for fleet projects, helping to revitalize American nuclear energy infrastructure, strengthen domestic energy security, and create high-skilled jobs in engineering, construction, and advanced manufacturing across the United States.' Advertisement But the veracity of the announcement is unclear. The email was sent at 3:01 p.m., but at 4:09 p.m. on Friday, the White House website's fact sheet — with otherwise identical information and verbiage — did not include anything about a Holtec-IHC partnership. And Holtec did not confirm the details laid out by the White House.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion: A homegrown vision for Utah's energy future takes root
Utah took a bold step toward leading the nation in energy innovation last week at Gov. Spencer Cox's 'Built Here' nuclear summit, where Utah signed a historic agreement with global nuclear firms Hi Tech Solutions and Holtec International. The landmark memorandum of understanding lays the groundwork for the Beehive State to become the Western hub for advanced nuclear technology development, manufacturing and deployment. Hi Tech, based in Washington state, is bringing its next-generation energy vision to the Mountain West. With deep roots in Utah — where its co-founder has lived for more than a decade — the company is establishing its regional headquarters here, not just to build power plants, but to create a full nuclear ecosystem. This includes research partnerships, training centers, and advanced manufacturing and deployment of nimble small modular nuclear reactors, which allow for faster, more secure and scalable energy to be deployed across the region. Unlike other nuclear initiatives that focus primarily on electricity generation, this partnership takes a comprehensive approach. Through the agreement, Hi Tech and Holtec will launch the regional nuclear operations training center, beginning with an interim facility by 2026 and followed by a $35 million advanced energy training campus starting construction in 2028. These centers will prepare Utahns for careers in a rapidly reemerging industry with high-paying, long-term jobs in clean energy. In addition to this investment in training a new generation of nuclear workers, Holtec, a proven world leader in nuclear innovation, has selected Utah as the preferred Western location to manufacture its small reactor technology, currently scheduled for deployment at the Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan. This means Utah will become a key player in the national and global nuclear supply chain, providing the critical small reactors that deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy well-suited for the state's growing communities, industry and demand for data centers. This initiative reflects Gov. Cox's strategy found in Operation Gigawatt, the call to double Utah's power capacity in ten years. But the vision isn't just about infrastructure. It's about people. Establishing a nuclear industry biome in the Beehive State requires input from Utahns. The engagement strategy will include public forums; educational initiatives in local schools; and transparent communication around safety, environmental benefits and economic opportunities. For Utahns, the economic upside is immense. This partnership is expected to create thousands of high-quality jobs while attracting a network of suppliers and partners that will further expand our state's advanced manufacturing base. The agreement sends a clear signal: Utah is leading now. While other regions debate the path forward, we are forging ahead with partnerships between government, industry and local communities that accelerate real solutions. Of course, building a nuclear ecosystem comes with obstacles — regulatory coordination, infrastructure investment and long-term planning. But strong state leadership and vision around energy, such as the recently passed bipartisan House Bill 249, are already working and contributed to attracting this historic partnership. The state's willingness to explore permitting support, workforce training programs and research partnerships further demonstrates the holistic thinking necessary to succeed. Economic development professionals and city and state leaders in Utah recognize that nuclear energy innovation and economic development go hand-in-hand. By investing in clean energy technologies built right here in Utah, we are shaping a future of energy abundance, sustained industrial growth, technological leadership and lasting prosperity. The momentum is real. Shovels will soon break ground. Training programs will launch. Manufacturing will scale. Together, we're building a new era of energy — powered by innovation, rooted in community and proudly 'Built in Utah.'
Reuters
02-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Federal funding for first small reactors survives cuts
Summary The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has reissued a tender for $900 million in federal funding to help de-risk SMR deployment without any requirements for community engagement but developers should still seek community support, experts told Reuters Events. April 28 - While the fate of DOE funding for renewable energy projects remains uncertain under President Donald Trump, the reissue of a nuclear tender on March 24 indicates that the new administration will back the rollout of advanced reactor technology. The solicitation is part of federal efforts to unleash a " nuclear energy renaissance ' to meet rising power demand from large load customers, including data centers, the DOE said. The tender includes $800 million for up to two consortia of 'utility, reactor vendor, constructor, and end-users/off-takers' to deploy a first Generation III+ light-water small modular reactor, or Gen III+ SMR for short. Three groups with projects in Arizona, New York and Tennessee that previously expressed interest in this funding are expected to submit new proposals, industry sources told Reuters Events. The remaining $100 million is to support the development chain for Gen III+ SMRs such as Westinghouse's AP300, NuScale's SMR 3 and Holtec's SMR-300. The DOE dropped mandatory community benefit plans from the evaluation criteria, in line with efforts by the Trump administration to accelerate federal approvals of energy projects. This decision will allow the DOE to 'streamline the award process' noted ClearPath, a conservative clean energy non-profit. But lawyers and executives told Reuters Events that SMR companies will continue to seek support among local communities. Nuclear project developers 'recognise that to be successful they will want to address local needs such as workforce and community planning whether or not a specific community benefits plan is required,' said Joseph Greenberg, Senior Policy Advisor at law firm Holland and Knight. Join us at Reuters Events SMR and Advanced Reactor 2025, and network with over 600 utilities, developers, financiers, technology suppliers and regulators. Most near term deployment, including by the three consortia that are expected to apply, will likely take place at current or former nuclear sites where communities already know the benefits of nuclear, noted Patrick O'Brien, Director, Government Affairs and Communications at Holtec International. 'The reality is that [SMR projects] should already have support from the area,' O'Brien told Reuters Events. 'A responsible developer will work with the local community to ensure success' and Holtec already has strong local support for its plan to build two SMR-300s at the Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan, O'Brien said. Expected bids Applicants in the original October 2024 solicitation must resubmit their proposals, while new bidders are also welcome. Applications close on April 23, giving interested parties just a month to prepare proposals, in comparison with three months first time around. CHART: Small modular reactor projects by country Arizona's bid is led by Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project and Tucson Electric Power, who are assessing potential sites, such as retiring coal plants, for SMR development. They also appear to have state backing, as the Arizona Legislature is considering waiving environmental reviews for SMR projects located near data centers or existing power plants. An APS spokesperson said they would continue to work with local communities. Strategies to overcome cost hurdles for new nuclear - download our webinar. The second group is utility Constellation Energy backed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. They aim to develop advanced reactors at the Nine Mile Point Clean Energy Center in Oswego, New York. Finally, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is leading a coalition working to deploy the GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR, alongside GE Hitachi, Bechtel, BWX Technologies, Duke Energy, Sargent and Lundy and others. TVA has an early site permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the construction of SMRs at its Clinch River Nuclear Site in Tennessee, where the DOE grant could help finance the first of four SMRs. It is currently completing the Construction Permit Application and Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. If awarded, the funding would bring forward the project's commercial operation by two years to 2031 and help establish a domestic supply chain 'that can be exported to our allies,' TVA spokesperson Scott Fiedler told Reuters Events. 'TVA can help companies that are a part of nuclear energy engineering, licensing, and infrastructure locate, invest and bring jobs to the Tennessee Valley,' Fiedler said. TVA also plans to deploy BWRX-300 technology in Canada by 2029 via a partnership with Ontario Power Generation. Consortium development The tender's focus on consortia can help de-risk SMR deployment by 'bringing together a more comprehensive team to help manage and deliver the project' that can capitalise on each member's resources, skills and expertise, Jill McWhirter, Partner at law firm King and Spalding told Reuters Events. This may also make SMR projects more attractive to investors 'as they may be seen as increasing the likelihood of success of deployment and execution,' said McWhirter, who co-leads her firm's co-Nuclear Working Group. For exclusive nuclear insights, sign up to our newsletter. A preference for a wide-ranging consortium is not uncommon for DOE-backed research, development and demonstration projects, as 'it helps to strengthen projects and align the supply chain,' Greenberg told Reuters Events. It also helps to de-risk projects through commitments from each of the partners and 'could help to lower costs by more effectively reducing project risks,' Greenberg said. Partnering with SMR developers, their major industrial customers, and hyperscalers or other financial partners 'will be part of the business model moving forward,' said Fiedler.
