Despite no nuclear power plants, Braun wants Indiana to become nuclear energy leader

INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Mike Braun is on a mission to make Indiana the nation's leader in nuclear energy despite the state currently having no nuclear power plants.




On Wednesday, Braun announced his quest to "unleash Indiana's energy production and deploy nuclear power" by hosting a ceremonial signing of six bills. These bills see Braun embracing nuclear energy, which the governor called "a clean, carbon-free, always-on workhorse for energy generation."




Under Senate Enrolled Act 423, Indiana will establish a small modular nuclear reactor pilot program. The program aims to develop one or more SMRs in Indiana to generate nuclear power for Hoosier retail customers.




In a recent op-ed for the Indianapolis Business Journal, Braun called SMRs a cost-effective and safer form of nuclear energy production that boasts smaller cores and lower operating pressure to cool themselves indefinitely, "eliminating the risk of meltdowns."




"As demand for electricity accelerates, the country will soon be divided into states that can meet this demand and those that can't," Braun said. "We are stepping up to the challenge, expanding our energy portfolio, deploying nuclear energy, and innovating to power Indiana's economy into the future, with affordability and reliability always at top of mind."




Small modular nuclear reactors are a relatively new nuclear plant design. Currently, no SMRs are in commercial operation in the United States as most are still in the development and pilot phases. A SMR in Michigan, just 36 miles north of the Indiana border, is on schedule to be the first commercial SMR to power up in the U.S. in 2030.




The International Atomic Energy Agency states that SMRs can generate up to 300 MW(e) per unit compared to a traditional large nuclear power plant's 700+ MW(e).




Critics of SMRs argue that these smaller nuclear reactors produce just as much, if not more, long-lived radioactive waste. Critics also argue that SMRs are less economical than large reactors, generating less electricity at a higher cost. NuScale, which had been set to open the first commercial SMR in the U.S., canceled its Idaho reactor project due to rising costs and a lack of public interest.

Is a nuclear power plant coming to a town near you?

Nuclear power plants are often met with mixed reactions and concern from the general public. While many Americans support nuclear energy - up to 56% according to a Pew Research Center survey - citizens often are more hesitant to live near a nuclear reactor.




Indiana currently is home to a single working nuclear reactor: a research reactor beneath Purdue University that generates power equivalent to 10 microwaves. Under Braun's new vision for a nuclear Indiana, Hoosiers should expect this to change. Indiana can't lead the way without commercial nuclear reactors.




But when and where could these SMRs be built? That's still to be decided.




Senate Enrolled Act 423 said eligible sites for the SMR pilot program would require the approval of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.




Braun noted that education and community engagement are key to his nuclear future for the Hoosier state. This community engagement kicks off with the Indianapolis Business Journal's Nuclear Energy Forum on July 22, where local leaders are invited to learn about modern nuclear energy and the potential benefits for the economy.




In November, Braun will host a Global Nuclear Energy and Economic Summit with Purdue University President Mung Chiang. The summit will invite global developers and manufacturers to explore Indiana's place in the nuclear ecosystem, according to Braun.





via: https://fox59.com/indiana-news/despite-no-nuclear-power-plants-braun-wants-indiana-to-become-nuclear-energy-leader/