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The Michigan Public Service Commission submitted the final feasibility report to the governor and legislature on the feasibility of nuclear energy generation in Michigan.

Among other things, the study: (1) said that “Continuing existing nuclear power generation will be necessary for the state to meet its carbon-free energy goals cost-effectively”; (2) said that some of the high costs for building additional nuclear capacity “may be recouped through long-term economic impacts in local economies and increased tax payments,” for instance, “A hypothetical new nuclear plant built in Ottawa County or Monroe County would create an estimated $3.6 billion to $3.7 billion in economic benefit and 719 to 777 long term jobs”; (3) identified general advantages, including: (i) “the emissions-free nature of nuclear power”; and (ii) “the relatively small amounts of land needed for nuclear plants, which can produce significant amounts of reliable energy at high capacity factors”; and (4) identified general disadvantages, including: (i) high upfront capital costs; (ii) lengthy project development timelines”; (iii) community concerns; and (iv) “no national resolution to the issue of permanent disposal of spent nuclear waste.”

As background, this docket was opened in response to HB6019, which directed MIPSC to engage an outside consulting firm to conduct a feasibility study on nuclear energy generation in Michigan, by April 13, 2024 l4/13/24, deliver a written report on the feasibility study to the governor, the Speaker and minority leader of the House, the Senate majority and minority leaders, and the chairpersons of the House and Senate standing committees with primary responsibility for energy and environmental protection issues.

Press Release  (03/19/2024)
Report  (03/19/2024)
U-21358  (09/12/2023)