US Revives Palisades Nuclear Power Plant

The Biden administration has announced a $2.8 billion initiative to revive decommissioned nuclear power plants to meet rising energy demands, particularly due to the surge in power needs from artificial intelligence technologies. This includes a $1.52 billion loan to restart the Holtec Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan, which aims to generate 800 MW of carbon-free energy and create around 600 union jobs. Additionally, there are plans to potentially restart a unit at the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania, with Microsoft committed to purchasing its future output. The administration is also supporting the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) as part of a broader strategy to triple U.S. nuclear capacity. Despite the push for nuclear energy, the initiative faces challenges such as regulatory hurdles and environmental concerns from activists. The administration's efforts reflect a commitment to clean energy and a transition away from fossil fuels.