Overview:
- The Department of Energy is awarding $400 million to Holtec for small modular nuclear reactors at the Palisades plant.
- The owners of The Leland building in downtown Detroit strike deal to pay $43,000 to DTE Energy to keep the power on.
- The EPA announces $3 billion in funding to remove lead pipes from drinking water systems.
🔌 Ypsilanti Township demands state revoke $100M grant for U-M data center Ypsilanti Township officials are demanding Michigan revoke a $100 million grant given to University of Michigan for a proposed data center, accusing the school of a “bait and switch.” The school calls the development a “high-performance computing facility.” Township leaders say U-M initially proposed a 20-acre project but later purchased 120 additional acres after receiving the grant. The township supervisor called the Textile Road location near the Huron River “disgusting” and criticized U-M’s lack of transparency and communication throughout the process. 📍 Source: MLive
☢️ Michigan’s Palisades Nuclear Plant to get 2 small modular reactors with federal funding The U.S. Department of Energy selected Holtec’s western Michigan project as one of two nationally to receive $400 million for developing America’s first small modular nuclear reactors. Holtec plans to deploy two SMR-300 reactors at Palisades Nuclear Generating Station in Covert, each generating 300 megawatts. Combined with Palisades’ 800 megawatts, the facility would power 1.4 million households. Tennessee Valley Authority received the other $400 million. Holtec aims for the SMRs to be operational by 2030. 📍 Source: Detroit Free Press
💡 Power stays on at Detroit’s historic Leland after $43,000 deal with DTE Owners of The Leland apartment complex in downtown Detroit agreed to pay DTE $43,000 in outstanding electric bills, preventing a power shutoff. About 40 tenants received post-Thanksgiving notices to vacate by December 3 when DTE planned to disconnect power. The building remains in bankruptcy court, with owners missing deadlines for emergency repairs that triggered a public nuisance action. Payment requires financing subject to bankruptcy judge approval at a December 4 hearing. 📍 Source: FOX 2 Detroit
🤖 Another data center? 412-acre York Township site under consideration Sansone Group is considering purchasing Toyota-owned land in York Township for a potential data center project requiring up to 1 gigawatt of electricity. Toyota has listed approximately 412 acres for over $22.6 million. This would be Washtenaw County’s fourth such project, following proposals in Saline, Augusta, and Ypsilanti townships. Township officials confirmed discussions but said no formal proposal exists. A non-disclosure agreement is in place. Local residents express concerns about impacts on water, energy resources, and ecosystems. 📍 Source: MLive
🚰 New EPA data shows fewer lead pipes than expected, agency allocates $3 billion for removal The EPA announced $3 billion in new funding through State Revolving Fund programs to remove lead pipes from drinking water systems. An additional $1.1 billion in previously allocated but unused funds will be redistributed. The EPA’s updated estimate shows 4 million lead service lines nationwide, down from 9 million previously estimated, based on improved inventory data. States that haven’t obligated funds since 2023 must submit spending plans before receiving new funding. 📍 Source: Environmental Protection
⛳ Frenchtown Township debates data center on former golf course land Cloverleaf is proposing a 200-acre data center on former golf course land in Frenchtown Township near I-75 and North Dixie Highway, WXYZ reported last month. The project promises over 100 jobs and $26 million in annual tax revenue, though no tech company is confirmed to occupy it. Residents are divided, with some welcoming economic benefits while neighbors express health and environmental concerns. Township Clerk Kyle Bryant says the project is in early stages and requires land sale and rezoning before proceeding. 📍 Source: WXYZ