The future of the American nuclear sector is well on its way to reaching a new milestone over the next few years. The US has plans to expand the nuclear energy generation capacity through strategic projects that enable the nation to reenergize its flailing nuclear sector. Now, the state of Indiana and a major US nuclear company have announced that Indiana will be the preferred location for a new advanced small modular reactor energy park, setting the stage for a nuclear revolution in the United States.
The US is set to become a global leader in sustainable energy technology
For far too long, the United States nuclear sector has lagged behind the rest of the world, with oil and gas dominating the US energy production sector. However, following the recent announcement by First American Nuclear and the state of Indiana that the pair will develop a new advanced modular reactor park in Indiana, the future of the American nuclear sector is looking brighter than ever.
The plan would be for the new energy park to be the first in the United States to be a “closed-fuel cycle” facility, which means that any spent nuclear fuel will be reprocessed and reused on site. Additionally, First American Nuclear will also move its headquarters from Richland, WA, to the great state of Indiana. While the project is expected to pass the legal hurdles in place, no exact timeline or construction costs have been detailed by the company or by the state of Indiana.
The new energy park will focus on gas at first, with nuclear power coming second
The company has noted that the initial plan is for the site to produce gas for the international sector, which has become essential as the sanctions on Russian energy resources come into effect. After that, the co-located facility will process nuclear power using some of the same infrastructure, including grid connections.
“Our unique integrated gas and nuclear solution for quick deployment starts with gas then transitions to nuclear using the same systems bringing power to customers in 24-36 months.” – First American Nuclear press release
The state of Indiana is set to become the spiritual home of the US nuclear energy sector
First American Nuclear has stated that the planned process they will use at the new Indiana energy park eliminates 97% of long-lasting nuclear waste produced on site, a major problem that has plagued nuclear operations for decades. The 240 MWe EAGL-1 reactor is specifically designed to produce more fuel than it burns on an average day.
“Indiana and First American Nuclear joining forces to improve the quality of life for Hoosiers and the American people was an easy decision to make. FANCO has the ability to deliver affordable, sustainable power to light up our rooms, keep us warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and rise to the ever-increasing energy demands of an advanced manufacturing and computing economy.” – Suzanne Jaworowski, Indiana Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources
Other nations have also been experiencing significant progress in their nuclear energy ambitions, with the UAE’s first-ever nuclear facility reaching a milestone recently.
First American Nuclear will lean on the Indiana workforce to boost local expertise
Crucially, First American Nuclear has stated that it will develop a comprehensive program to attract and retain essential workers for the site, partnering with Indiana’s technical colleges and Universities. The United States boasts vast expertise in nuclear technology, so much so that Slovakia is assessing US technology for a planned facility. The US nuclear sector can once again become the envy of the international energy sector once the project receives a Final Investment Decision.
