Legislators aim to make Michigan a national leader in nuclear energy field

A bipartisan effort is underway in the Michigan House of Representatives to encourage safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy generation in the state.

State Reps Pauline Wendzel (R-Bainbridge Township), Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph), Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown), Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), Sam Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), and Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores) on Tuesday unveiled a comprehensive plan to spur the development of next generation nuclear technology in Michigan.

“This bipartisan package is about more than energy policy; it’s about creating high-paying jobs, thriving local communities, and attracting world-class talent that turns ambition into achievement,” Rep. Wendzel said. “Other states are working hard to lead in this space, but with this package, Michigan is showing that when we champion innovation, we don’t just compete—we set the standard.”

The comprehensive plan will:

Pave the way for advanced nuclear reactors: Removes barriers for the next generation of nuclear power reactors by defining “advanced nuclear reactor,” also known as small modular reactors (SMRs), in state law and clarifying siting requirements.

Establish a nuclear and hydrogen education grant: Establishes a competitive grant program that would award funds to colleges and universities throughout Michigan that establish or expand educational programs that lead to a degree or credential supportive of the nuclear industry, the hydrogen industry, or both.

Encourage innovation in the nuclear energy field: Establishes a manufacturing tax credit aimed at incentivizing and supporting qualified research and development expenses that are related to the design, development, or improvement of advanced nuclear reactors.

Establish the fund for educational grants program: Initiates the creation of a fund to support the program that awards grants to select postsecondary schools in Michigan. These grants will assist in establishing or expanding educational programs that lead to a degree or credential supportive of the nuclear industry, the hydrogen industry, or both.

Establish a workforce attraction and retention scholarship program: Proposes a scholarship initiative providing direct grants or tax credits, or both, to graduates — both in-state and out-of-state — who commit to employment at a new or existing electricity generating facility in Michigan powered by nuclear or hydrogen energy for at least three years after obtaining their degree or credential.

Creates a production tax credit (PTC): For the first 10 gigawatts of power produced by an SMR located in Michigan.

“This plan is about building a foundation for Michigan’s energy future—one that prioritizes reliability, affordability, and innovation,” Rep. VanWoerkom said. “By embracing next generation nuclear technology, we’re not only strengthening our grid but also creating new opportunities for jobs, investment, and long-term economic growth in our state.”

“We’re coming together—Republicans and Democrats —to make Michigan a national leader in nuclear energy,” Thompson said. “This plan creates the framework for investments in safe, clean, and reliable nuclear technology, ensuring a stronger, more secure energy future for our state.”

With the new renewable energy standards recently established in Michigan, the representatives said nuclear energy generation will play a critical role in meeting those benchmarks.

“This isn’t just your parents’ nuclear power plant,” Rep. Steckloff said about how SMRs will transform the Michigan energy landscape. “This technology represents an incredibly important component in our clean energy future, and this is our chance to position Michigan as a leader in this space. I am proud and excited to work with my colleagues to put Michigan on that track.”

The successful use of advanced nuclear reactors could create thousands of additional megawatts of baseload generation, creating a more reliable power grid that would benefit people and businesses throughout the state. The legislation would also help attract a highly skilled workforce to Michigan. 

“Expansion of nuclear energy in Michigan will allow our state to be a leader in energy production while creating jobs and providing real energy solutions for our state,” Rep. McFall said. “Diversification of our energy production is vital to ensure all Michiganders receive reliable clean energy to their homes and businesses.”

The Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in west Michigan, taken offline in 2022, is set to reopen after Holtec International announced plans to install two SMRs at the facility.

“With the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant set to make history as the first decommissioned plant to be revived, Michigan has a unique opportunity to attract cutting-edge technologies, highly specialized industries, and top-tier talent,” said Rep. Andrews. “These bills will build a talent pipeline that not only supports our existing nuclear infrastructure at Palisades, Cook, and Fermi, but also fosters innovation in advanced reactors and hydrogen energy. By investing in training, educational grants, and scholarships, we’re positioning Michigan to meet its clean energy goals and become a national leader in energy innovation for decades to come.”

Todd Allen, Chair of the Department of Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences at the University of Michigan, voiced his support for the bipartisan plan aimed at advancing nuclear energy in Michigan. As a leading expert in nuclear engineering, Allen emphasized the significance of the legislation in transitioning to modern, clean, and reliable energy systems.

“With the new legislation, Michigan is taking a crucial step towards embracing nuclear energy as an integral part of its energy portfolio,” said Professor Todd Allen. “This initiative recognizes the importance of nuclear energy and hydrogen in supporting the state’s growth and emphasizes the need for incentives to train and retain highly skilled personnel in these fields.”

The legislation has been referred to the House Energy Committee.  Chairwoman Pauline Wendzel has scheduled testimony on the legislation for Tuesday, March 4.

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