Taking its name from the surrounding barrier sand dunes on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Entergy's Palisades Power Plant has been generating electricity safely, reliably and cost-effectively since December 31, 1971. On April 11, 2007, Entergy completed the plant purchase from Consumers Energy for $380 million. The purchase also included receipt of the used fuel at Consumers' decommissioned Big Rock Point Nuclear Plant, located in Charlevoix in northwestern Lower Michigan.

The Palisades site covers 432 acres in western Covert Township, Van Buren County, Michigan, which is located approximately six miles south of the city of South Haven and 45 miles west of the city of Kalamazoo. The unique sand dune environment on the site provides shelter for a plant -- the Pitcher's Thistle -- that is on federal and state threatened species lists. With a cream-colored leaf and yellow flower, the thistle can grow up to three and one-half feet tall only in Great Lakes sand dunes. Palisades' presence guarantees the Pitcher's Thistle survival there.

Palisades is one of Van Buren County's largest employers and is its largest taxpayer. As such, great importance has been placed in employee community involvement. Many of the 650 plant workers are involved in charitable groups, Habitat for Humanity, the United Way and civic organizations, as well as holding leadership roles and elected offices on local school, township and community boards.