The wind energy sector in Indiana has been churning for less than two decades, but the industry is already producing major economic results for the state.
Nearly $11 billion was invested into land-based wind energy nationwide in 2023 alone, according to the Department of Energy. It isn’t hard to tell from the immense turbines that have been popping up against the rural landscapes across central Indiana that a sizable chunk of that investment has been making its way to the Hoosier state. The wind industry had invested $6.8 billion into the state by 2022 and currently has 9,766 turbines in operation. The state lands 12th in the nation for installed wind capacity, according to the American Clean Power Association.
Employment and Infrastructure
The proof that wind energy is accelerating in Indiana is also in the workforce numbers. A report from Clean Jobs Midwest revealed that the clean energy workforce had outpaced the state’s economy in 2023. On a national level, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the fastest-growing occupation in the country over the next decade will be wind turbine service technicians, with a projected growth rate of 60%.
Job creation is a major economic benefit of wind energy as it draws skilled workers to the area, in turn boosting economic growth and stability. Indiana’s wind energy workforce stood at nearly 7,000 in 2023.
In addition to employment development, wind energy in Indiana has been responsible for strengthening infrastructure, such as roads and power transmission lines. Infrastructure projects can be funded by the revenue generated for the community by the industry. Those improvements benefit the communities as a whole as they also create jobs, bring in new business and improve the quality of life for community members.
Raising the Revenue
Wind projects can be a source of revenue through taxes, land leases, and economic development agreements. The latest figures reveal that in 2023, the industry generated $23 million in state and local tax payments. The revenue helps fund areas including schools, hospitals and local businesses, contributing to the overall economic health of the areas. Rural landowners are also benefitting from an additional stream of revenue, sharing in $22 million in annual land lease payments in 2023, the report notes.
Continued Momentum
There are currently 29 wind energy projects in Indiana, contributing 10% of the total electricity generation in the state. That performance keeps pace with projections that wind energy could power 20% of the U.S. by 2030.
Several new wind projects are planned to come online in the next few years. EDP Renewables North America, the Texas-headquartered division of the Madrid-based parent company, holds the largest share of wind farms in Indiana. The company owns and operates the six-phased Meadow Lake Wind Farm in White and Benton counties. EDP also operates Sweet Acres Wind Farm in White County and two phases of Headwaters Wind Farm in Randolph County. The company also entered into a Power Purchase Agreement with Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), for the Indiana Crossroads II Wind Farm in White County. The company brought that plant online in 2023.
EDP will expand its footprint in the wind energy space bringing additional economic benefits to Indiana with the Jasper County Carpenter Wind Farm, expected to be operational in 2025. In addition to the $365 million investment in the farm, EDP will pay $38 million to local governments and $70 million to landowners. The 45-turbine, 200 MW project has created about 200 construction jobs and will secure up to 14 permanent jobs when completed.
Another 200 MW wind energy farm is under development by RWE, the third largest renewable energy company in the U.S. The Prairie Creek Wind in Blackford County will produce enough electricity to power 42,000 homes. The project, operating 51 turbines, is expected to generate $60 million in tax revenue and create over 200 construction jobs. Prairie Creek is scheduled to come online in 2027.
