INDIANAPOLIS (December 11 , 2025) – Energy Systems Network (ESN), an industry-driven Indiana non-profit focused on advancing innovative energy technologies and projects, published the Advanced Nuclear Projects Financing Options Report in collaboration with the Indiana Office of Energy Development (IOED).
The United States is entering a new era of nuclear power development, according to the study. The development of advanced reactors, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and the recent trend of high electricity load growth, create a unique opportunity for the nuclear power industry. Combined with the federal government’s renewed focus on offering tax credits and loan guarantees for nuclear power projects, there is a once in a generation opportunity to consider innovative financing options to help bring new nuclear power plants online with their reliable, carbon-free power.
The Advanced Nuclear Projects Financing Options Report provides an overview of the existing and emerging mechanisms available for nuclear power plant project financing. Significant interest in nuclear energy has sparked record private investment in the nuclear sector, but financing measures backed by state and federal initiatives will be essential ingredients to new nuclear project deployment success.
“This critical study offers important guidance and serves as yet another reminder of how Indiana leads the way in nuclear energy innovation,” said Suzanne Jaworowski, Indiana secretary of energy and natural resources. “As we research the boundless opportunities nuclear energy offers, we want to follow a thoughtful process that gets us there in an efficient, effective manner. This study does just that.”
ESN gathered input from a range of industry stakeholders and subject matter experts in nuclear technology, AI data centers, power sector development, and project finance. The report is a comprehensive, but concise, tool that sets the stage for cost-efficient financing of nuclear energy in the State of Indiana and beyond. Contributing organizations include: Indiana Office of Energy Development, U.S. Department of Energy’s Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) and the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI).
“Indiana has quickly positioned itself as a leader in the global nuclear energy renaissance, with best-in-the-nation legislation on siting and tax credits, executive branch leadership in policy and economic development, and industry and academic engagement on manufacturing, R&D, and workforce. But challenges remain with respect to financing the deployment of nuclear SMR, which requires several billion in capital,” said Paul Mitchell, president and CEO of Energy Systems Network. “This report gathered input from dozens of subject matter experts from Indiana and beyond to provide insights on financing options that can accelerate bringing nuclear power online and reduce the cost to ratepayers.”
The study pointed to several recommendations aimed at accelerating nuclear energy development across Indiana, including:
- The state supporting early development efforts to establish a portfolio of eligible sites and partners;
- The state exploring avenues to leverage all available assistance and incentives from the federal government for these projects; and
- The state considering a variety of financing options and models as the potential path forward for new nuclear development.
Media Contact:
Becca Gillespie
About Energy Systems Network (ESN):
ESN is an Indiana-based nonprofit initiative focused on the development of the advanced energy technology and transportation sectors. ESN’s mission is to leverage our network of global thought leaders and industry leaders to develop integrated energy project to advance economic development and quality of life for today and tomorrow. Our collective focus is to: reduce costs, waste; offer policy analysis, and advance technological innovation. For more information, visit www.energysystemsnetwork.com.
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