Indiana may soon be trading in its coal for something a lot more futuristic — nuclear power. With Governor Mike Braun pushing small modular nuclear reactors as part of the state’s long-term energy and economic development strategy, the Hoosier energy landscape could be on the verge of a major transformation.
In a recent interview with Indy Politics, former State Senator Jim Merritt expressed cautious optimism about Indiana’s nuclear pivot. “We need to look at all the energy options available to us,” Merritt said. “Nuclear power has come a long way in terms of safety and technology. If done right, it could be a key part of Indiana’s future.”
Merritt, who served on multiple energy committees during his tenure in the Statehouse, said that while nuclear isn’t a magic bullet, it could offer a stable and carbon-free alternative to coal and natural gas — especially as federal pressure mounts to reduce emissions.
Governor Braun has identified small modular reactors (SMRs) as a viable tool to help power Indiana’s manufacturing-heavy economy. According to reporting from WTHR, Braun sees nuclear energy as part of an “all-of-the-above” approach — one that embraces renewables while recognizing the reliability challenges they sometimes face.
But while SMRs offer potential advantages — smaller footprints, lower costs, and safer designs — questions remain about implementation. Merritt says the devil will be in the details, particularly around cost, regulation, and public perception.
“There’s still that ‘NIMBY’ factor,” Merritt acknowledged. “People like the idea of clean, reliable energy — they just don’t want a nuclear facility in their backyard.”
Another major hurdle? Economics. Merritt emphasized that utility companies and regulators will need to figure out who pays for the infrastructure and how to avoid rate spikes for everyday Hoosiers. “This can’t become another financial burden on Indiana families,” he said.
