Dead Nuclear Plant Rises: Wisconsin’s Kewaunee Facility Sparks Powerful Comeback

After sitting dormant for more than a decade, Wisconsin’s Kewaunee nuclear power plant may soon spring back to life with cutting-edge technology. The facility, which closed in 2013, is now being considered for a major redevelopment project that would introduce advanced nuclear technology to the site.

The Kewaunee Power Station operated from 1974 until 2013 when its owner, Dominion Energy, shut it down because of low electricity prices. During its nearly 40 years of service, the plant was a two-loop pressurized-water reactor designed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation, generating 574 megawatts of electricity.

For nearly four decades, Kewaunee’s Westinghouse reactor generated 574 megawatts until economic pressures forced its closure in 2013.

EnergySolutions, which currently owns the site, began decommissioning work in 2024. However, new plans have emerged that could transform the facility. On May 14, 2025, EnergySolutions announced a collaboration with WEC Energy Group to pursue an early site permit for Kewaunee. In December 2024, EnergySolutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Terrestrial Energy to potentially build Integral Molten Salt Reactor plants at the former nuclear site. This development aligns with global efforts to maintain nuclear energy’s contribution to carbon-free electricity generation.

This next-generation nuclear technology uses molten salt as fuel or coolant. The salt liquifies at high temperatures and can store large amounts of thermal energy at atmospheric pressure. State Representative Dave Steffen has called the Kewaunee plant the “perfect first place to bring next generation nuclear” technology.

The project would bring significant economic benefits to the region. If approved, the new reactor installation would create over 300 construction jobs during the building phase and more than 100 permanent high-skilled positions once operational. The combined reactor and data center development is projected to generate an annual economic impact of $87 million for the local economy.

Located about 27 miles southeast of Green Bay on Lake Michigan’s western shore, the site maintains valuable infrastructure and connections to power lines. These existing features make it especially suitable for redevelopment.

The Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation is actively supporting these efforts to revive the site. Local officials view this potential project as an opportunity to restore significant economic activity to the area.

While the final decision hasn’t been made yet, the future looks promising for this once-idle nuclear facility.