Suzanne Jaworowski and Chuck Goodrich: Why Indiana’s future depends on nuclear energy

Indiana’s economic future and its energy future are becoming impossible to separate. Companies deciding where to invest want certainty that they will have enough electricity — not just today but decades from now. With demand accelerating, the real question is: How can Indiana grow to meet its energy needs while lowering costs and expanding opportunities for Hoosiers?

Gov. Mike Braun’s strategy answers that question with a simple principle: affordability through growth. His approach isn’t just about adding new power sources; it’s about attracting large energy users whose presence helps reduce electricity costs for everyone. Industries like semiconductor manufacturing, computing facilities and heavy industry pay a substantial share of grid and generation costs. When they join a regional energy system, they help spread fixed costs across more users. In practical terms, large users defray the cost of generating and delivering electricity, which lowers rates for families and small businesses.

We’re already seeing this concept in action. Indiana Michigan Power’s most recent filing with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission includes a reduction in residential electricity rates — evidence that growth, when managed strategically, can deliver affordability.

But Indiana’s biggest opportunity to lower costs lies in advanced nuclear energy. Nuclear power offers reliable and stable operating costs for 80 to 100 years. Reactors operate continuously at 90%–95% capacity, producing more electricity per hour than any other source and lowering the cost per kilowatt-hour. When large industrial users help finance the development of advanced nuclear, the benefits ripple across the entire state: more reliable energy and lower, long-term costs.

The economic upside extends far beyond the power produced. Each nuclear plant typically supports 400 to 700 on-site jobs, generates about $470 million in annual local economic activity and contributes about $16 million in annual tax revenue. And with a job multiplier of 2.8, every role at a nuclear facility supports nearly three additional jobs in the community. These are high-wage positions, including engineers, construction workers, skilled tradespeople, manufacturers and suppliers, offering long-term careear opportunities for Hoosiers.

Recognizing this potential, Braun launched the Advanced Nuclear Ready Communities Program, providing local governments with the information needed to evaluate whether they are suitable for advanced nuclear projects. Ten communities have already signed up. Their early interest shows a growing understanding that planning for energy is planning for economic development.

This moment gives Indiana a rare opportunity — not just to build new power generation but to build an entire industry around it. By embracing advanced nuclear, Indiana can secure low-cost electricity, attract high-tech employers, strengthen its workforce and create thousands of jobs.

We cannot predict exactly what the future will look like, but we know energy demand is rising fast — and we know Indiana cannot afford to wait. Preparing now means ensuring affordable power, economic competitiveness and meaningful opportunities for the next generation of Hoosiers.

That’s why the Governor’s Global Nuclear Energy Economic Summit, hosted with Purdue University this week, was so important. It was a chance to continue the conversation with industry leaders, utilities, researchers, government officials and community stakeholders who will shape the future of America’s nuclear industry — and Indiana’s economic future along with it.

With the right strategy, Indiana can lead the next era of energy innovation, lowering electricity costs and creating thousands of high-quality jobs for Hoosiers.•

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Jaworowski is secretary of energy and natural resources, and Goodrich is secretary of commerce in Gov. Mike Braun’s administration.