Duke Energy: Feasibility Study - Advanced Nuclear Technology Is a Potential Option To Achieve Zero Carbon Emissions for Purdue University

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN / ACCESSWIRE / June 7, 2023 / Duke Energy

Further exploration is needed, including cost and economic studies, regulatory conditions, site evaluations and additional technology assessments

(Editor's note: The Purdue University and Duke Energy Small Modular Reactor and Advanced Reactor Feasibility Study Interim Report and fact sheet are available at https://purdue.ws/smrstudyreport.)

Purdue University and Duke Energy released an interim report today that describes small modular reactors as one of the most promising emerging technologies and a potential, carbon-free option that should be further explored to help meet the future, long-term power needs of Purdue University.

This finding came following the first year of a small modular reactor and advanced reactor feasibility study into whether advanced nuclear technologies could power the university's West Lafayette campus and supply excess energy to Indiana's electric grid in the 2030s and beyond.

Electricity from nuclear power plants is a carbon-free source of energy that operates continuously 24 hours a day. Small modular reactors will typically produce up to 300 megawatts of clean energy, with some designs having higher generating capacities. They also have enhanced safety features and are simpler than traditional nuclear plants, making them easier, faster and more affordable to build.

"Our early findings show that advanced nuclear technology presents a potential path to zero emissions for our university, and we intend to continue our teamwork with Duke Energy in the next phase of the study," said Purdue University President Mung Chiang. "The persistent collaboration among Duke Energy, Purdue University and world-renowned energy and policy experts demonstrates the critical importance of this exploration into advanced nuclear energy and what it could mean not only for our campus, but also the community, state and nation."

In the interim report, no technology has been selected and no decision to build a new nuclear plant has been made at Purdue University or on Duke Energy's Indiana system. The interim report confirmed:

• Small modular reactors are a promising, carbon-free energy option for Purdue University that should be further explored.
  
• Because small modular reactors can operate continuously and their energy output can adjust to meet power demand, they complement other resources, such as renewable energy. This is important for reliable energy as wind and solar power becomes a larger percentage of the generation mix.