“Michigan could soon host the United States’ first commercial small modular nuclear reactors—essentially mini nuclear plants with simpler and more compact designs that proponents say could shorten construction timelines and cut costs. 

Two SMRs are set to begin operations in 2030 in Covert Township, on Lake Michigan about 36 miles north of the Indiana border. If approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, they will be built alongside the Palisades nuclear plant—initially set for retirement in 2022, but now scheduled to resume operations this fall under its new owner, Holtec International. Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy released a $57 million loan for the plant’s restarts. 

So far, Holtec has completed environmental studies and selected a location for the reactors but is still awaiting the go-ahead from the NRC to begin construction.”

From Inside Climate News.