Near-term large-reactor restarts pulling demand
Key Questions
What milestone did the Palisades restart recently achieve?
The turbine was placed on turning gear and the fuel handling machine was installed. Holtec described this as a watershed moment ahead of full testing.
What is the status of the TMI Unit 1 restart?
A 20-year PPA with Microsoft was signed with a $1.6B cost and 2027 target date. Grid transmission upgrades in PJM remain a key bottleneck.
Has the lawsuit against Palisades restart been resolved?
A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit challenging the restart. This clears a major legal hurdle for Holtec's plans.
What is Holtec's plan following the Palisades progress?
Holtec is proceeding with an IPO and continues to highlight nuclear's growing acceptance. The company is also advancing its SMR-300 design.
Which other large reactor restarts are in progress?
Crane restart awaits a FERC decision while Diablo Canyon is approved to operate until 2045. Duane Arnold has a Google-backed target for 2029.
What is the status of Bruce Power Unit 3 refurbishment?
The project is running early and under budget. CPS Energy is also increasing its stake in the South Texas Project.
How could Westinghouse revive V.C. Summer?
Westinghouse is exploring revival using the $17.5B DOE loan program. This would add significant new large-reactor capacity.
What demand signal do these restarts send to the uranium market?
Near-term restarts are pulling forward fuel demand and tightening supply. Utilities are securing term contracts at premium prices to ensure availability.
Palisades restart reached major milestone: turbine on turning gear, fuel handling machine installed, shifting to testing. Holtec calls it 'watershed moment' and announces IPO. Federal judge dismissed lawsuit against Palisades restart. TMI Unit 1 restart real: 20-year Microsoft PPA, $1.6B cost, 2027 target, but grid transmission bottleneck (PJM upgrades needed). Crane restart FERC decision expected June/July 2026. Diablo Canyon to 2045. Duane Arnold Google '29. Bruce Power Unit 3 refurb early/under budget. CPS Energy increasing stake in South Texas Project. Westinghouse potential V.C. Summer revival with $17.5B DOE loan program.