Purdue University and Duke Energy to release interim report of nuclear power feasibility study

The feasibility study, announced in April 2022, evaluates whether small modular or advanced nuclear reactors could provide power to the West Lafayette campus as well as provide excess power to the state’s electric grid, reducing or even eliminating the university’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“Our two organizations have diligently explored the feasibility of transforming our existing power system into a new system that uses advanced nuclear technology,” said Purdue President Mung Chiang. “We have been guided and advised by the world-renowned experts on the Executive Advisory Committee and the various project subcommittees. We are pleased to announce that we will soon release the interim report for this phase and will move into the next phase of this serious study for campus sustainability.”

During the last year, the study’s committees, including a utility technical group and a nuclear technical group, discussed and reviewed existing utility infrastructure, nuclear technologies and reactor vendor capabilities along with policy, safety and financial considerations. Additionally, the “Understanding Tomorrow’s Nuclear Energy” lecture series held six events attended by more than 4,500 people to provide a platform for public education, engagement and dialogue, and featuring the following distinguished nuclear energy experts:

• Arden Bement, PhD, the David A. Ross Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Nuclear Engineering.
• Tim Hanley, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Constellation Nuclear.
• Kathryn D. Huff, PhD, assistant secretary, Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy.
• Maria Korsnick, president and CEO, Nuclear Energy Institute.
• Richard K. Lester, PhD, associate provost, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
• William D. Magwood IV, Director-General, Nuclear Energy Agency.
• Luis Reyes, former executive director for operations, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Ahmet Tokpinar, principal vice president and general manager of Nuclear, Bechtel Power.

“This has been an exceptional collaboration that begins the conversation of how advanced nuclear technology might help Purdue as well as Indiana meet future energy needs with carbon-free power,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar. “I appreciate the hard work and expertise that came together to explore this potential opportunity.” 

The Executive Advisory Committee, consisting of the following individuals, met Wednesday (April 5) to review the study’s findings and discuss practical next steps:

• Arden Bement, PhD, the David A. Ross Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Nuclear Engineering, Purdue University.
• Mung Chiang, PhD, president, Purdue University.
• William Dudley Jr., vice chairman and former CEO, Bechtel Group.
• Carlos Hernandez, former CEO, Fluor Corp.
• Maria Korsnick, president and CEO, Nuclear Energy Institute.
• William D. Magwood IV, Director-General, Nuclear Energy Agency.
• Stan Pinegar, state president, Duke Energy, Indiana.
• Luis Reyes, former executive director for operations, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.