Fuel Problem Halts Planned Restart of Michigan Nuclear Reactor
The planned restart of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Michigan has been paused due to a fuel assembly issue. Holtec, the operator, reported that a fuel assembly tilted during the installation of radioactive fuel into the reactor vessel in late August. This incident has temporarily halted the fueling process as engineers work to safely retrieve the tilted assembly. Holtec officials have stated that there was no radiation leak and no danger to workers or the public. However, anti-nuclear activists, such as Kevin Kamps, Executive Director of Don't Waste Michigan, have voiced concerns, highlighting the criticality of the reactor core and nuclear fuel as the most dangerous part of a nuclear power plant. Nick Culp, Sr. Manager, Government Affairs and Communications for Holtec Palisades, affirmed that the nuclear industry operates under rigorous standards and independent federal oversight, with safety as the highest priority. A Covert Township official also expressed support for the repowering of Palisades,...
