U.S. nuclear reactor restarts mark a new phase in preserving carbon-free power capacity.

Holtec International's Palisades nuclear reactor in Michigan is nearing operational restart after being shut down and entering decommissioning in 2022, marking the first U.S. plant to attempt such a turnaround. This restart, along with similar projects by Constellation Energy, NextEra Energy, and PG&E, highlights a growing trend of extending and reviving existing nuclear plants to provide reliable, carbon-free electricity without waiting for new construction. These efforts attract investment opportunities in utilities and nuclear service providers, supporting a broader nuclear renaissance focused on infrastructure recovery and long-term clean energy supply. The success of these projects could prove the viability of restarting retired nuclear plants under favorable economic and regulatory conditions.