Indiana’s Energy Transition: The Role of Small Modular Reactors
With a rapidly growing demand for power in the state, the market is looking at nuclear energy as a possible solution. Stated support from the State of Indiana, a Nuclear Summit hosted by Purdue University and local partnerships have identified Small Nuclear Reactors (SMR) as a potential source for additional electrical generation capacity. What is this technology? How is it different from traditional nuclear plants? How might it make an energy difference in Indiana? What is likely timing for SMR generation? How are these facilities designed and built? This session will address the swirling questions around this very interesting topic.
Join us on Thursday, April 9, at Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202, to be part of the conversation. Registration and networking will open at 7:30 a.m., with the program running from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. ET, including time for Q&A. We hope you will join us for this insightful program!
Panelists include:
- Chuck Chambers – Vice President of Preconstruction, ArchKey Solutions
- Chris Edward – Client Executive of Sustainability and Energy Team, IMEG
- Jon Ford – Executive Director, Indiana Office of Energy Development
- Moderator: Drew Furry – Director of Strategic Initiatives, Purdue University
Additional panelists will be announced as confirmed.
Schedule
- 7:30am-8:00am – Registration/Networking
- 8:00am-9:30am – Formal Program
- 9:30am-10:00am – Networking
About Our Panelists
Chuck Chambers, PE, ArchKey
Chuck Chambers serves as Vice President and Director of Preconstruction for Power & Industrial projects, bringing more than 45 years of experience in the engineering and construction of complex power, industrial, and manufacturing facilities. His career spans the full lifecycle of major capital projects, with hands‑on leadership in plant engineering, maintenance, design, construction, and executive management.
Chuck’s extensive background provides a holistic perspective on project viability, risk mitigation, and value creation. His deep understanding of large‑scale infrastructure and industrial delivery makes him a key leader in preconstruction planning for complex power and energy projects.
Chris Edward, PE, IMEG
Chris Edward serves as Client Executive for Sustainability and Energy at IMEG, where he leads the firm’s efforts in sustainability, energy, and carbon analysis across design projects nationwide. Based in IMEG’s Indianapolis office, Chris supports project teams by providing technical expertise and strategic leadership on energy‑focused and sustainability‑driven initiatives.
An electrical engineer by training, Chris brings extensive experience in the design of renewable energy systems, advanced metering, energy distribution, power generation, fire alarm, and lighting systems. He has spent his entire career at IMEG, progressing through roles in project and executive leadership. Chris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Purdue University and is a licensed Professional Engineer. His work continues to support clients navigating evolving energy demands and decarbonization goals.
Jon Ford, Indiana Office of Energy Development
Jon Ford serves as Executive Director of the Indiana Office of Energy Development, where he leads statewide efforts to advance affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions for Hoosiers. In this role, Jon oversees energy policy development, grant administration, and public education initiatives aimed at supporting Indiana’s growing energy needs and economic development goals.
Prior to his current role, Jon served in the Indiana State Senate from 2014 to 2024, representing District 38. During his legislative tenure, he played a key role in shaping energy, economic development, and infrastructure policy across the state. Jon also previously served as President of Reliable Energy, Inc., an organization focused on promoting an “all‑of‑the‑above” energy strategy to ensure grid reliability and long‑term power security. He brings extensive experience working at the intersection of public policy, energy markets, and economic growth.
Moderator: Drew Furry PE, MBA, Purdue University
Drew Furry serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives at Purdue University, where he provides leadership on complex, high‑impact facility and space initiatives supporting the university’s long‑term strategic priorities. His work includes research space optimization, facility planning, and capital project strategy across the West Lafayette campus.
With more than 14 years at Purdue, Drew has overseen the delivery of major academic, research, athletic, and student life projects totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. He brings extensive experience in Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc/CMaR) delivery methods and began his career with Turner Construction in Indianapolis. Drew holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Rose‑Hulman Institute of Technology, a Master of Business Administration from Purdue Global, and is a licensed Professional Engineer.