{"id":13463,"date":"2025-02-20T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/?p=13463"},"modified":"2025-02-20T10:21:23","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T15:21:23","slug":"small-modular-reactors-could-help-indiana-shift-to-24-7-carbon-free-electricity-with-economic-benefits-study-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/newsroom\/2025\/Q1\/small-modular-reactors-could-help-indiana-shift-to-24-7-carbon-free-electricity-with-economic-benefits-study-says","title":{"rendered":"Small modular reactors could help Indiana shift to 24\/7 carbon-free electricity with economic benefits, study says"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. \u2014 A new Purdue University-led study prepared for the Indiana Office of Energy Development (IOED)<\/a> explores the feasibility and potential impact of implementing small modular reactors (SMRs) in the state. It also outlines opportunities for Indiana to address key challenges with the deployment of this technology both within the state and nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis report underscores the transformative potential of SMRs, offering Indiana a pathway to a cleaner, resilient energy future,\u201d said Seungjin Kim, head of Purdue\u2019s School of Nuclear Engineering<\/a> and lead principal investigator (PI) of this study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study states that SMRs, which are smaller than existing nuclear power plants and could be faster and less expensive to build, are a viable option for 24\/7 carbon-free electricity in Indiana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SMRs also may benefit Indiana economically. The study estimates that the construction of each SMR plant could create approximately 2,000 jobs and their operation could employ 140 full-time workers. Workers at SMR plants could potentially earn 18% more than they would at coal plants, amounting to $352 million annually, which is double that of a similarly sized coal plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indiana\u2019s electricity generation mix has changed over the past 10 years with the addition of wind and solar, but the state currently has no nuclear power plants to provide a continuous source of renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IOED selected Purdue last year to conduct an Indiana-specific study<\/a> to better understand SMR technology, the challenges and opportunities of its deployment, and its applicability to the state. The findings will serve as a resource for the IOED, aligning with its mission to provide comprehensive energy planning and policy development for Indiana that is affordable, stable, reliable, and inclusive of a diverse and balanced generation mix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study was a collaborative effort involving Purdue\u2019s School of Nuclear Engineering, Purdue\u2019s Administrative Operations, Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Purdue Extension Community Development, Purdue Center for Regional Development, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, the Energy Systems Network and Argonne National Laboratory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmall modular reactors represent innovative solutions for energy generation,\u201d said Indiana Gov. Mike Braun. \u201cWe applaud Purdue\u2019s work, which offers valuable insight as we continue to support a diverse and balanced portfolio of energy resources in the state.\u201d While SMRs could add value to Indiana, the study points out several challenges with SMRs being a new technology not yet implemented anywhere in the U.S., such as high construction costs and the need for a stable supply chain. Other important considerations include complying with regulatory frameworks on both the state and federal level, meeting environmental and safety standards, growing a workforce, and increasing residents\u2019 awareness of SMRs through community<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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