Mishra reported in early January 2025 that over the long term, small modular reactors (SMRs) can mitigate the economic impacts of closing a coal plant. Researchers have argued that eight former coal sites across Indiana could serve as coal-to-nuclear opportunities. The study conducted by researchers from Purdue University maintain that small nuclear reactors could present “substantial opportunities” for Indiana to meet its energy demands.
Small modular reactors (SMRs) could present significant opportunities for
Indiana’s energy future. Chun han/tanyss
In May, Purdue University was selected to study small nuclear technology and how it can benefit the state. The study recommends that Indiana state, as well as Indiana energy stakeholders, should proceed with feasibility studies, build partnerships for small modular reactor (SMR) development and prioritize stakeholder engagement to ensure SMRs are integrated smoothly and beneficially into the state’s energy portfolio.
SMRs present a viable opportunity to transition to a cleaner energy
Researchers maintain that SMRs present a viable opportunity for Indiana to transition to a cleaner, resilient, and diversified energy future.
Successful deployment of SMR technology requires a careful balance of economic, regulatory, and social considerations along with the development of the technology, according to the study.
SMRs are compact nuclear reactors with electric generating capacity typically less than 500 megawatts of electrical power (MWe) and designed to offer scalable energy solutions with enhanced safety features compared to traditional nuclear plants, according to the study.
“While SMRs could present significant opportunities for Indiana’s energy future, their deployment requires careful planning and a balanced approach. Comprehensive feasibility studies, regulatory alignment, workforce development, and robust community engagement are some of the necessary components to ensure that SMRs can be safely and successfully integrated into Indiana’s energy portfolio,” researchers said in the study.
US-based SMR designs reviewed
They underlined that by addressing the financial, regulatory, and technological challenges, Indiana can position itself as a leader in adopting this emerging technology while creating economic opportunities and ensuring energy security. The study reviewed seventeen U.S.-based SMR designs and two international SMR designs, with further in-depth analysis of six U.S.-based designs and one international design. The review focused on design principles, features and advantages, potential issues and shortcomings, progress to deployment, and comparison to traditional nuclear technology.
Researchers also pointed out that SMRs are a missed opportunity, and that coal-to-nuclear could help Indiana tap into an energy supply — with the benefit of net-zero carbon emissions.
Purdue researchers noted that Indiana’s energy demands are expected to increase by up to 3% from 2022 to 2030, “a big change compared to the 0.2% annual growth rate over the prior decade.” Over the long term, SMRs can “mitigate the economic impacts of closing a coal plant,” and open the door to “significantly cheaper” energy, reported Indiana Capital Chronicle.
The study estimates that building a 500 MWe SMR could create approximately 2,000 direct jobs during a four-year construction phase, injecting over $500 million annually into the state’s economy. Once operational, a 500 MW SMR plant could employ about 140 full-time workers, who, on average, earn 18% more than those in equivalent coal plants. It’s also being claimed that the long-term economic impact of an operating SMR—estimated at around $352 million annually—doubles that of a coal plant of the same size.
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