Jhansi Kandasamy
Executive Director for Net-Zero at Idaho National Laboratory
Bio:
Jhansi Kandasamy, executive director of INL’s Net-Zero program, is responsible for leading Idaho National Laboratory to become a national model for achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2031 through energy innovations and collaborative partnerships. Kandasamy brings 30 years of nuclear industry experience and leadership from her various roles at GE-Hitachi, Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO), Exelon's Limerick Generating Station and Oyster Creek Generating Station, and Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) Nuclear Salem/Hope Creek New Jersey. In addition, Kandasamy is past chair of U.S. Women in Nuclear (WIN), an 8,000-plus member organization, co-founder of US WIN Nuclear Executives of Tomorrow, a 12-month program for women who are 1-3 years from being executives in the nuclear industry. She is also a past American Nuclear Society executive committee chair member, U.S. WIN Diversity, Equity and Inclusion working group oversight committee member and co-founder of the Atomic Allies.
Abstract:
On Earth Day in 2021, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its vast 890-square mile facility by 2031. Given the size and complexity of INL, this commitment requires a comprehensive approach of tiered solutions. Taking a team-centered strategy, INL collected specific data on emissions generated by the approximately 300 buildings, 700 vehicles, and 200 acres of landfill space that the laboratory oversees. This information guided revisions to the Net-Zero Plan, aligning it with Executive Order (EO) 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, and EO 14057, Catalyzing America’s Clean Energy Industries and Jobs through Federal Sustainability. This presentation focuses on INL’s roadmap to integrate nuclear into the energy mix, reducing emissions while accommodating the lab’s growing mission and energy needs.
INL emitted over 76,800 metric tonnes of CO2e in FY 2022, with purchased electricity contributing over 56 percent of total emissions. This percentage is projected to grow from INL’s current 17.4 MW (average) to roughly 44.9 (average) MW by 2031 as INL electrifies its buildings and fleet and grows its workforce. The Department of Energy’s recently launched Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative, which seeks to site carbon-free energy projects on federal lands including lands at INL, has the potential to decarbonize regional energy systems and, in turn, assist INL and others in reaching their net-zero goals. INL’s emphasis on nuclear projects would improve its ability to procure 100 percent carbon-free electricity. This presentation covers the roadmap to nuclear including advances, challenges, and plans for additional projects through 2031.
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