Small modular reactors headline an American nuclear renaissance, experts warn

Holtec is reviving Michigan's Palisades plant and plans to add small modular reactors, while experts caution that SMRs remain costly, largely unproven in the US and face timeline and fuel-supply challenges.

Holtec has acquired the decommissioned Palisades nuclear site in Michigan with plans to restart the conventional reactor and add two small modular reactors (SMRs). SMRs are promoted as smaller, factory-built reactors that could provide steady power and attract private and public investment. The sector has growing backing from tech firms and federal funds, but few SMRs operate globally and none yet in the United States. Experts are divided on cost, timelines, fuel supply and regulatory pace. Key facts: - Holtec says it has begun the formal licensing process with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and hopes for approval by 2029, with SMRs coming online by 2031 if timelines hold. - The company plans to install two 300-megawatt SMRs alongside restarting an 800-megawatt conventional reactor at Palisades. - Multiple experts cited in the reporting warn SMRs are still expensive, have limited operational experience worldwide, and face fuel-supply and regulatory challenges. Summary: The article reports a race to demonstrate SMRs in the US, led by projects such as Holtec’s Palisades plan and other builders working on demonstration units. The next major procedural step is the NRC licensing review; stakeholders and regulators remain divided on whether costs, timelines and oversight are sufficiently addressed. Undetermined at this time.