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Public utilities

NIPSCO Announces Groundbreaking of Two Major Solar Projects in Indiana

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

NIPSCO, a subsidiary of NiSource Inc., has marked a significant milestone in its renewable energy transition with the groundbreaking of two major solar projects in Indiana. The projects, Indiana Crossroads Solar and Dunns Bridge Solar I, are expected to bring an additional 465 MW of renewable energy, tax revenue benefits, and jobs to the state. These initiatives are part of NIPSCO's "Your Energy, Your Future" electric generation transition plan, which aims to be 100% coal-free by 2028.

Key Takeaways:

  • The two solar projects, Indiana Crossroads Solar and Dunns Bridge Solar I, will have a combined capacity of 465 MW and are expected to be operational in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
  • Dunns Bridge Solar I, a 265 MW facility, will include an estimated 900,000 solar panels and be capable of producing enough energy to power 79,500 homes.
  • The second phase of the project, Dunns Bridge Solar II, will have 435 MW of solar paired with 75 MW of battery storage and include an estimated 1,500,000 solar panels.
  • The projects 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.
  • NIPSCO plans to partner with NextEra Energy Resources to deliver one of the largest solar investments in the nation, right here in Jasper County, Indiana.
  • The projects were selected following a comprehensive review of bids submitted through the all-source RFP process that NIPSCO conducted in 2018 and again in late 2019.
  • The "Your Energy, Your Future" plan aims to retire NIPSCO's coal-fired generation and add a combination of cleaner energy sources to its existing portfolio, which includes wind, natural gas, and hydroelectric generation.
  • The projects are part of NIPSCO's efforts to be 100% coal-free by 2028, saving customers $4 billion over the long term.

Statistics:

  • The two solar projects will have a combined capacity of 465 MW.
  • Dunns Bridge Solar I will have an estimated 900,000 solar panels and be capable of producing enough energy to power 79,500 homes.
  • Dunns Bridge Solar II will have an estimated 1,500,000 solar panels and 75 MW of battery storage.
  • The projects are expected to generate approximately $59 million in additional tax revenue for Jasper County over the life of the projects.
  • The projects will create approximately 300 jobs during construction.
  • NIPSCO plans to retire its coal-fired generation by 2028, saving customers $4 billion over the long term.

Sources:

  • NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI) press release, November 1.
  • NIPSCO's "Your Energy, Your Future" plan.
  • Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) website.
  • NIPSCO's website, NIPSCO.com.
  • NiSource's website, NiSource.com.

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