The process for loading nuclear fuel into the Palisades nuclear power plant’s reactor vessel starting on Aug. 31, "marking a historic milestone as America’s first shuttered nuclear power plant begins its step-by-step return to active power generation," Holtec International reported.
The commencement of fuel loading will place Michigan-based Palisades in Mode 6 under the plant’s Technical Specifications on the road to the station’s commercial operation. The Palisades reactor cavity and new fuel-handling machine during preparations for fuel loading earlier this summer.
The reactor core, consisting of 204 fuel assemblies, including new fuel and partially used fuel from the plant’s most recent operating cycles, is designed to support the plant’s 805-megawatt electric output.
"This milestone follows more than two years of extensive inspection, maintenance, refurbishment, testing, and equipment upgrades across the station to ensure utmost reliability and resiliency for long-term operation," the company said.
Major work completed during the restart effort included extensive reinforcement of tubes in the two steam generators; removal of accumulated corrosive species from their steam generation space; replacement of the plant’s control rod drive mechanism nozzles; chemical decontamination and passivation of the primary system; reactor vessel inspections; and numerous equipment upgrades and modernization projects. In several areas, the scope of planned work was expanded to further enhance the plant’s long-term reliability.
Fuel loading is conducted in accordance with plant procedures and Technical Specifications.
Following completion of fuel loading, Palisades will progress through a series of required testing, inspections, and startup activities as plant systems are declared fit for operation.
These activities are being led by Holtec International Chief Nuclear Officer Fadi Diya, Site Vice President Mike Schultheis, Plant General Manager Adam Eastridge, and the site’s superb leadership team, with independent oversight from the Palisades Nuclear Safety Review Board, chaired by industry veteran Michael Rencheck.
The reincarnation of Palisades as an operating plant has been made possible by critical financial support from the State of Michigan, a substantial loan from the U.S. Department of Energy, and long-term power purchase agreements with Wolverine Power Cooperative and Hoosier Energy. Holtec is grateful to its federal, state, and community partners for reposing their confidence in our company to return Palisades to service.
Palisades is now proceeding through the remaining pre-startup activities before arriving at its red-letter day.
