Gov. Mike Braun announced the launch of the Indiana Advanced Nuclear Ready Community program on July 16. The initiative supports Hoosier communities seeking designation as sites for nuclear energy-related development.
This program is a core part of Indiana’s broader state strategy to attract clean energy investment. It focuses specifically on small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear facilities.
“Strengthening energy affordability for all Hoosiers is a cornerstone of our all-of-the-above approach,” said Governor Mike Braun. “Affordability is why advanced nuclear energy is a top priority. We are working now to ensure our energy resources remain robust and resilient. This initiative provides a strategic roadmap to enhance innovation while aligning with communities to strengthen workforce programs and prepare local talent for high-tech energy careers.”
According to a statement, this program’s purpose is to demonstrate local preparedness, infrastructure capacity and community support in the state to lead the nation in nuclear manufacturing and deployment.
The program introduces a three-tier designation framework. This design allows participating counties and regions to progress through increasing levels of regulatory, workforce, and infrastructure readiness. To support this rollout, the Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED) created a comprehensive digital toolkit containing resources, templates, and reference materials to guide local leaders through the qualification process.
“The Indiana Advanced Nuclear Ready Community program bridges the gap between state strategy and local economic development,” said Suzanne Jaworowski, Indiana Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources. “By empowering communities to proactively assess their infrastructure and align local goals, Indiana is significantly reducing developer risk and accelerating timelines for advanced energy investment.”
The newly launched initiative aims to:
- Ensure community buy-in: Educate local leaders and community members on nuclear energy and the benefits it can offer.
- Reduce developer risk: Complete upfront site assessments and community alignment before developers engage.
- Attract nuclear leaders: Demonstrate local readiness, workforce capacity, and regulatory familiarity to global manufacturers.
- Build local pipelines: Establish partnerships with educational institutions to train the future nuclear workforce.
- Coordinate stakeholder alignment: Synchronize state, utility, and local rules around nuclear siting and permitting.
- Sustain public engagement: Provide continuous community education on advanced nuclear safety and economic impacts.
According to a press release, any county or region in Indiana, acting in coordination with its constituent cities and towns, is eligible to apply for the designation. Community leaders are strongly encouraged to engage with the OED to discuss baseline readiness and receive dedicated technical assistance prior to submitting a formal application.
“Ultimately, these advancements — small modular reactors in particular — represent the innovative solutions needed to bring critical new sources of energy generation to Indiana,” Braun said.
For more information visit in.gov/oed/indianas-energy-policy/nuclear-ready/.
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847. For more news, visit indianapolisrecorder.com.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
