Plant Restarts

With rising electricity demand, decarbonization goals, and growing concerns over grid reliability, utilities and investors are increasingly exploring the feasibility of restarting previously shuttered nuclear plants or reviving abandoned projects. Within the last year, three sites that were previously shutdown (Three Mile Island, Palisades, and recently Duane Arnold Energy Center) are in the process of being restarted. These plants often have significant sunk costs in infrastructure, permitting, and site preparation, making them potentially attractive investments compared to development of an entirely new facility. However, the process of restarting a dormant nuclear plant is highly complex, involving technical, regulatory, and financial considerations that require specialized expertise.

Nuclear Due Diligence Associates provides comprehensive assessments for investors and operators considering the revival of mothballed or unfinished nuclear plants such as VC Summer Units 3 and 4. Our evaluations include a full technical review of plant conditions, analyzing whether existing systems and structures meet modern safety and operational requirements and whether the equipment was appropriately protected when it was abandoned. We assess the regulatory pathway for obtaining an operating license, evaluating what retrofits, upgrades, or relicensing efforts would be required.

Additionally, we examine workforce availability, supply chain constraints, and economic feasibility—including long-term power purchase agreements and potential financial incentives from federal or state programs.

With a track record of due diligence in both advanced nuclear technology and supply chain analysis, Nuclear Due Diligence Associates is uniquely positioned to provide a holistic view of plant restart feasibility. Whether the goal is full reactivation, partial repurposing, or asset liquidation, our assessments enable investors and stakeholders to make informed, risk-mitigated decisions in an increasingly dynamic energy market.