Advancing the State of Indiana’s drive to spearhead the nation’s clean energy evolution, Kim participated in a panel discussion at the inaugural event in Indianapolis and wrote a related opinion piece for the Indiana Business Journal. 

The forum coalesced top energy, policy, education and industry leaders to explore how nuclear energy can strengthen Indiana communities. This event built on momentum created when Indiana Gov. Mike Braun recently signed several bills to promote deployment of small modular reactors (SMR) technology to address Indiana’s increasing energy needs. Braun has set a moonshot goal for Indiana to develop SMRs in eight years.

At the forum, Kim served on a panel on “Next Generation Nuclear: Is it a Viable Energy Source?” He joined Duke Energy, Rolls-Royce, Curio Energy and Holtec International executives to discuss technology innovation; safety advantages; spent-fuel uses; and how the always-on, carbon energy source will power the future.

In his IBJ article, Kim advocated for using nuclear power to “forge a resilient energy belt.” Noting that nuclear energy “has arguably proven to be the most resilient and clean energy source over the past six decades,” he pointed out that nuclear power currently provides about 20% of U.S. electricity, accounting for more than half of the nation’s carbon-free energy. 

“It is timely to explore integrating nuclear power into Indiana’s energy portfolio for a sustainable future,” Kim wrote. He also stated that recent nuclear technology developments, such as emergence of SMRs and microreactors, “make nuclear energy an increasingly appealing option to Hoosiers” due to greater flexibility, safety and efficiency than conventional nuclear reactors. In addition, Kim wrote that repurposing Indiana’s retired coal sites could reduce SMR project costs and offer lucrative job opportunities for retrained coal workers.

At the same time, Kim noted that realizing SMRs’ full potential “will require deliberate action, strategic planning, and close coordination across all sectors of the state’s energy landscape.” He recommended that Indiana “proactively establish strategic partnerships with federal agencies, state leadership, industry stakeholders, and regulators to address financial risks, streamline approval processes, and foster innovation.” Kim also called for early community engagement, as well as rigorous safety and environmental assessments. 

Summing up, he wrote: “SMRs represent a promising pathway for Indiana to transition toward a cleaner, more resilient, and diversified energy future. Their successful deployment could position the state as a national hub for advanced technology supply chains – reaffirming Indiana’s role as the Crossroads of American manufacturing and helping to transform the Rust Belt into a Resilient Energy Belt.”  

Related information: Global Nuclear Energy Economic Summit, Nov. 5-6