The process for loading nuclear fuel into the reactor vessel has begun at the Palisades nuclear power station in Michigan, marking a milestone as the shuttered nuclear power plant begins its step-by-step return to active power generation.

Plant owner Holtec International said the process had begun at the single-unit facility on 30 August.

If the restart succeeds, Palisades will be the first nuclear plant in the US to resume commercial operation after going into decommissioning.