Indiana is home to several energy intensive industries that are shifting to lower energy footprints. Accelerating the transition within the utility power supply will help these industries achieve their goals and potentially attract new investments.

Fort Wayne-based Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) recently announced plans to expand its clean energy offerings with four new solar power plants. The plants will be located across northern and east central Indiana and will have the capability to generate power for a total of more than 200,000 homes in Indiana and Michigan by mid-2026. Two of the plants will be owned and operated by I&M, which plans to invest approximately $1 billion for their development. The company has also issued a Request for Proposals for future projects using wind, solar battery storage, and natural gas.

 

“At I&M we have a diverse mix of emission-free, clean energy, including solar, hydro, wind, and nuclear that provides stability, reliability and flexibility,” according to a statement on its website. “Our largest solar farm yet, the St. Joseph Solar Farm, was unveiled in May 2021.”

 

Customers receive power from 15 renewable energy facilities whose combined output can supply thousands of homes through solar farms; wind farms; and hydro-electric dams. Since 2010, I&M-sponsored energy efficiency programs have saved ~1,400 GWh of energy, or the annual usage of approximately 10,500 average homes.  In the near future, I&M plans to add approximately 2,100 MW of renewable energy by 2028.

Transitioning the energy sector to low carbon intensity fuels and renewable energy will require substantial investment in new materials and manufacturing. Indiana is well positioned to provide and actively participate in necessary infrastructure to support the low carbon energy future of electric vehicles, batteries, and alternative fuels production.