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NIPSCO Announces 900 MW Solar Projects in Indiana

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), a subsidiary of NiSource Inc., has announced plans to bring 900 megawatts (MW) of solar energy to Indiana through three new solar energy centers. The Dunns Bridge I, Dunns Bridge II, and Cavalry Solar Energy Centers are expected to begin construction in 2022 and be operational in 2022 and 2023, respectively. NIPSCO has finalized build transfer agreements with NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, to construct the projects and enter into joint ventures to own and operate them.

The addition of these solar projects is part of NIPSCO's long-term generation strategy, aiming to be coal-free by 2028. The investment is expected to bring economic benefits to the state of Indiana, including construction and long-term operating and maintenance jobs, as well as enhancing the county tax base. Jasper County Commissioner Kendell Culp expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "Jasper County is pleased to continue our long-term relationship with NIPSCO with the development of the Dunn's Bridge Solar Project."

The three solar projects were selected through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process, affirming the conclusions of NIPSCO's 2018 Integrated Resource Plan that wind and solar resources are lower-cost options for customers. The projects will be capable of producing enough energy to power over 210,000 homes. NIPSCO expects to announce additional renewable projects later this year.

Key Takeaways:

  • NIPSCO plans to bring 900 MW of solar energy to Indiana through the Dunns Bridge I, Dunns Bridge II, and Cavalry Solar Energy Centers.
  • The projects are expected to begin construction in 2022 and be operational in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
  • The investment is expected to bring economic benefits to Indiana, including jobs and enhanced tax revenue for Jasper and White counties.
  • NIPSCO has finalized build transfer agreements with NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, to construct and own the projects.
  • The addition of these solar projects is part of NIPSCO's long-term generation strategy to be coal-free by 2028.
  • Jasper County Commissioner Kendell Culp expressed enthusiasm for the project, citing its economic benefits for the county.

Statistics:

  • 900 MW of solar energy will be added to Indiana's grid.
  • The projects will have approximately 2.5 million solar panels, generating enough energy to power over 210,000 homes.
  • The Dunns Bridge I and II projects are expected to generate approximately $59 million in additional tax revenue for Jasper County.
  • The Cavalry Solar project is expected to generate approximately $25 million in additional revenue for White County.
  • The projects will create approximately 500 jobs during construction.
  • NIPSCO's long-term generation strategy aims to be coal-free by 2028.

Sources:

  • Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO)
  • NiSource Inc.
  • NextEra Energy Resources, LLC
  • Jasper County Commissioner Kendell Culp

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