Holtec International submitted a license amendment request to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission on September 30, proposing a method to retrieve a tipped fuel assembly at the Palisades nuclear plant in Covert, Michigan. The proposal follows an incident on August 30 when a fuel assembly tipped during loading operations, pausing refueling efforts for the facility that closed in 2022 before Holtec purchased it for restart.
What it means
Holtec’s plan involves using a specially designed recovery tool and protective canister to remove the assembly, which is currently angled 30 degrees from the core plate. The company stated that the fuel rods retained their integrity as a primary fission product barrier and that its fuel vendor expects the assembly to straighten without risking cladding failure inside the transfer canister. Holtec asserted there is no significant increase in the probability of an accident and insisted operations would adhere to regulatory limits.
The NRC confirmed no radiation was released during the tipping incident but noted the assembly exhibits significant bowing. The agency has not yet indicated whether it will approve the proposal. While fuel loading remains paused, Holtec said other restart efforts not dependent on resolving the fuel-loading issue have continued. A root cause evaluation has been initiated to determine why the event occurred.
Don’t Waste Michigan expressed skepticism regarding the plan, noting that Holtec has never operated a nuclear power plant. Arnie Gundersen, a nuclear engineer and adviser for the group, criticized the company for lacking a completed root cause analysis and damage evaluation before seeking approval. The group alleges the procedure would suspend highly irradiated fuel out of water for up to 133 hours.
The Palisades site has faced previous safety scrutiny. A 2012 NRC report warned about work culture and dismissed safety concerns at the plant while it was owned by Entergy. In 2016, security staff were placed on leave for failing to follow fire-prevention protocols. More recently, a worker fell off a refueling bridge into water but was not seriously injured.
Key facts
- Holtec International purchased the Palisades nuclear plant in Covert, Michigan, after it closed in 2022.
- A fuel assembly tipped during loading operations on August 30.
- The tipped assembly is angled 30 degrees from the core plate and exhibits significant bowing.
- Holtec submitted a license amendment request to the NRC on September 30.
- The NRC confirmed no radiation was released during the incident.
- Don’t Waste Michigan alleges fuel would be suspended out of water for up to 133 hours.
- A 2012 NRC report cited work culture concerns at the facility under previous ownership.
Source: The National, reporting Holtec International and NRC filings