NIPSCO has announced that it will be acquiring solar power from two new solar farms in central Indiana, Kallanish Energy reports.
The company, a subsidiary of NiSource Inc., will get 300 megawatts of solar power from the facilities in Boone and Henry counties.
The solar facilities are expected to be operational by mid-2023.
A subsidiary of NextEra Energy will develop, construct, own and operate the 200-megawatt Brickyard Solar in Boone County. It will include an estimated 675,000 solar panels. NIPSCO will purchase the power directly from Brickyard Solar.
Greensboro Solar will also be developed, constructed, owned, and operated by a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources. It will provide 100 megawatts of solar power plus 30 megawatts of battery storage. It will be located in Henry County. It will include 329,500 solar panels. NIPSCO will purchase the power from Greensboro Solar.
The solar facilities are part of NIPSCO’s plans to transition to lower-cost cleaner energy.
The projects were selected following a review of bids submitted through the company’s request for proposals in late 2019.
“Renewable energy technology continues to advance and it plays an essential role in our progression toward providing lower-cost energy resources while maintaining the reliability our customers expect,” said NIPSCO president Mike Hooper in a statement.
His company plans to be coal-free by 2028. It is adding wind, solar, and battery storage to its gas-fired power resources.
Several Indiana-based wind projects are being developed.
NIPSCO has requested the addition of the two new solar facilities to its supply portfolio in filings with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
NIPSCO serves 460,000 electric customers and 820,000 natural gas customers in 32 Indiana counties.
