Plant officials say this comes after over two years of extensive inspection, maintenance, refurbishment, testing, and equipment upgrades across the station.

The plant is now considered to be in Mode 6, or Refueling, under its technical specifications.

Holtec says the first eight fuel assemblies were loaded into the reactor vessel Monday.

The full reactor core is set to have a total of 204 fuel assemblies, consisting of new fuel and previously used fuel from the plant's recent operating cycles.

Once in service, Holtec officials say the 805-megawatt plant will be capable of generating enough electricity to serve over 800,000 homes.

Following fuel-loading, the station will go through required testing, inspections, and startup activities as plant systems are returned to operating conditions

The plant will return to service once all applicable federal requirements and industry standards are met.

Holtec Nuclear Corporation Chief Nuclear Officer Fadi Diya stated, “The start of fuel loading and entry into Mode 6 represent an important milestone for Palisades and the hundreds of men and women who have worked to bring the plant to this point. Our team is now carefully loading the 204 fuel assemblies that will make up the reactor core before progressing through the required testing, inspections and startup activities that remain. We are proud of the progress we have made, but our focus remains on the work ahead and returning Palisades to safe and reliable operation when the plant and organization are ready.”