Indiana is taking a leadership role in a multi-state initiative focused on developing and deploying the next generation of nuclear power.
The Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative, launched in February by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), seeks to meet rapidly growing power needs with firm, clean power to ensure reliability, affordability, economic growth and sustainability.
David Terry, NASEO president, said the project brings together interested states, industry, utilities, customers and investors to develop public-private partnership models, procurement strategies and policies for supplying nuclear energy to data centers and other users across the country.
Indiana is among five states selected to lead the effort, along with Kentucky, Tennessee, New York and Wyoming. Also participating are Maryland, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.
"The state of Indiana is committed to identifying the strongest pathways for advancing new nuclear projects. By co-leading the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative, Indiana will be able to facilitate innovative new partnerships across states and industry, identify supportive policy mechanisms and develop new tools for decreasing project risk," said Republican Gov. Mike Braun.
"Indiana is in the midst of an energy transition, and we need explore how to manage this transformation by maintaining reliability and affordability, while also being flexible and adaptable to new and emerging technologies. We want Indiana to be on the leading edge of energy opportunity and innovation."
The Hoosier State has no nuclear power plants. But the Republican-controlled General Assembly has approved several laws to encourage the manufacture and use of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in Indiana.
Legislation advancing at the Statehouse this year would allow investor-owned electric utilities to immediately pass along to ratepayers the cost of developing, or even just contemplating SMRs — regardless of whether a utility ever actually constructs or operates one.
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