Wisconsin's Shuttered Kewaunee Nuclear Plant Eyes a New Energy Future
MILWAUKEE — A decommissioned nuclear power plant on the shores of Lake Michigan could be poised for a second act. EnergySolutions, a global leader in nuclear services, has formally notified federal regulators of its intent to apply for a license to build new generation capacity at the shuttered Kewaunee Power Station in Wisconsin.
The company submitted a notice of intent to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in January, marking a significant step in a multi-year evaluation process. This move aligns with state-level legislative discussions aimed at providing tax incentives for new nuclear development, signaling a potential policy shift to bolster baseload power generation.
"This is an important milestone in moving toward the next generation of nuclear power in Wisconsin," said Ken Robuck, President and CEO of EnergySolutions, which is partnering with Milwaukee-based utility WEC Energy Group on the feasibility study. The project team is conducting in-depth site studies, a prerequisite for any future construction and NRC approval, with a formal application targeted for June 2028.
The original Kewaunee plant, a 574-MWe pressurized water reactor that began operations in 1974, was closed in 2013 due to economic pressures. EnergySolutions, which acquired the site for decommissioning in 2022, is now simultaneously managing the old plant's dismantling—a process expected to last until at least 2031—and scoping its potential rebirth. While the specific reactor technology remains undecided, company officials have previously cited advanced designs, such as integral molten salt reactors, as possibilities for the location.
The proposal arrives amid a national reassessment of nuclear power's role in achieving energy security and carbon-reduction goals. Proponents argue that existing nuclear sites offer established infrastructure and community familiarity, potentially streamlining the arduous permitting process for next-generation reactors.
Community Voices
Michael Torres, Carlton Town Council Member: "This is cautiously welcome news. Our community has deep ties to the plant. A new, modern facility could mean stable jobs and significant tax revenue for decades, but the legacy of the shutdown is still fresh. Transparency and safety must be absolute priorities."
Dr. Lena Chen, Energy Policy Analyst at Great Lakes Institute: "Repurposing brownfield sites like Kewaunee is a logical step for the nuclear industry. It leverages existing transmission connections and a workforce with nuclear expertise. The real test will be whether the chosen technology can prove both economically viable and publicly acceptable."
Sarah Jenkins, Co-founder of 'Lake Michigan Guardians': "This is a reckless gamble with our Great Lake. They haven't even finished cleaning up the old mess, and they're already planning a new one? We're being sold a promise of 'advanced' tech with no concrete details, while the risks to our water and health remain very real. It feels like history repeating itself."
Franklin Boyd, Retired Kewaunee Plant Engineer: "The bones of that site are solid. We built it to last. With today's technology, a new plant could be safer and more efficient. It's heartening to see it might live again—it was more than a power plant; it was part of our community's identity."
— Reporting by Darrell Proctor