Renewable projects are happening all over northern Indiana right now as one of the state’s largest utility companies flips the switch from coal to sustainable sources of energy. The Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) has many different wind and solar construction projects in the works that are expected to ultimately lower the costs for customers.
By the end of 2023, NIPSCO will have a total of 14 completed renewable projects developed through either joint venture agreements or power purchase agreements. The company plans to be 100% coal-free between 2026 and 2028, which it says could save customers as much as $4 billion over the long term.
Towards the end of last year, NIPSCO kicked off its first two major solar projects. They are Indiana Crossroads Solar and Dunns Bridge Solar I. Almost a dozen other important projects are taking place as well.
Indiana Crossroads Solar
Indiana Crossroads Solar will be a 200 megawatt (MW) solar farm located in White County. 200 MW of solar energy produces enough power for at least 38,000 homes based on national average usage rates. EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA), a Huston-based company with offices in Indianapolis, is the firm that is developing and constructing the project. The solar park will be a joint venture between NIPSCO and EDPR.
The new solar farm will bring dollars into the community, disbursing more than $1 million each year to landowners and more than $40 million in local government payments over the life of the project. There will also be hundreds of temporary construction jobs throughout the building phases and several full-time, permanent jobs to maintain and operate the project once it’s complete.
Dunns Bridge Solar I
Dunns Bridge Solar I will be a 265 MW facility located in Jasper County. Officials have stated the site will be capable of producing enough energy to power 79,500 homes.
A subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC is constructing the project. Dunns Bridge Solar I will include an estimated 900,000 solar panels and is expected to be operational in 2022.
Phase 2 of the project will have 435 MW of solar paired with 75 MW of battery storage. Dunns Bridge Solar II will include an estimated 1,500,000 solar panels and is expected to be operational in 2023. NextEra Energy Resources will sell both completed projects to NIPSCO.
Dunns Bridge Solar I & II are expected to generate approximately $59 million in additional tax revenue for Jasper County over the life of the projects and approximately 300 jobs during construction.
Additional Projects
By the end of 2023, almost a dozen other NIPSCO renewable energy projects will be in place. Here is a list of the types of projects, locations, and projected in-service dates:
Getting Charged Up
Given that just two of these projects will bring a combined $99 million to their local community tax bases, it’s safe to assume all of these developments will collectively be a very positive thing for business. Cleaner and cheaper energy will be very strong selling points for Indiana as it looks to continue building business momentum. As NIPSCO develops more renewable energy projects, we’ll be keeping you up to date on our website at BuildingIndiana.com and in future issues.
