Today, Indiana thrives as a hub for innovators, visionaries and bold thinkers who will shape our future. Our manufacturers, logistics networks and research universities propel the Midwest and America forward. Therefore, it is crucial that we incorporate new technologies, data centers, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and AI into the next chapter of our economic growth.
These new technologies, however, require a modern energy infrastructure to support their efforts and future growth. That is why the new partnership in Tennessee among Google, Kairos Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority aka TVA matters to us in Indiana. It demonstrates how we can provide reliable, clean power at scale while protecting consumers and incurring no cost to taxpayers. This announcement from Oak Ridge provides a clear model Indiana can adapt to our grid and economy.
The project concentrates on Kairos Power’s Hermes 2 platform, an innovative advanced reactor designed for compact, repeatable deployment. The goal is to develop a design that can be standardized, mass-produced and installed more quickly and cost-effectively over time. If this approach succeeds, Tennessee could become a center for nuclear technology development and a supplier of compact reactors to help meet future energy demands.
Fortunately, the Braun Administration in Indiana is working toward connecting to that future rather than relying on energy imports from other states.
The strength of the deal stems from the collaboration between a tech giant, Google, a historic utility and an energy company at the forefront of nuclear technologies. Each one is doing what they do best, working to ensure their efforts benefit all consumers and businesses in the region. The result is clear: reliable energy, private investments and good jobs. That is a model Indiana can follow.
Advanced nuclear energy addresses the needs of our Indiana economy. At the same time, wind and solar are expanding, AI and modern manufacturing demand reliable power that is available continuously and can be deployed where needed. A small fleet of compact reactors like the Hermes 2 can provide this foundation and simplify the incorporation of more renewables. The result is a cleaner, more resilient grid that better handles weather changes and demand spikes, making Indiana a more competitive place in attracting new business and industry.
Companies selecting locations for data centers, chip packaging, electric-vehicle components, and biomanufacturing prioritize power first. States capable of supplying clean, dependable electricity will attract future investments. If we follow a plan similar to the Google–Kairos–TVA model that adds continuous clean energy capacity without increasing costs for ratepayers, Indiana will continue to shine as a powerhouse of American innovation, growth and prosperity.
When it comes to technology choices, it’s crucial Indiana continues to foster conditions that support the growth and vibrancy of key tech and energy partnerships. This includes providing clear regulations, removing unnecessary red tape and encouraging open collaboration among utilities, innovative energy developers like Kairos Power, and major tech companies such as Google, which have significant energy requirements.
It will also lay the groundwork for workforce programs that enable Hoosiers to build components, operate plants, and maintain the high-tech industrial base necessary for future success. Above all, if we pursue our own version of the Google–Kairos–TVA model here in Indiana, we will drive the AI economy, strengthen our grid, and keep our state a place where the future is created.
Jim Merritt is a former Republican member of the Indiana Senate. This commentary was originally published on TheStatehouseFile.com. Send comments to editorial@therepublic.com.
