NIPSCO, a subsidiary of NiSource, has signed agreements for development of three wind farms totaling 802MW, in Indiana.
Image: NIPSCO signs agreements for three wind farms. Photo: Courtesy of Karsten Würth (@inf1783)/Unsplash
NIPSCO stated that the addition of the three wind farms is the first phase of its plans to transition towards lower-cost renewable energy sources, which could power nearly 500,000 electric consumers in Indiana.
The announcement is part of the company’s ‘Your Energy, Your Future’ initiative, a customer-centric effort focused on delivering a more affordable and sustainable energy mix.
The company has plans to be coal-free by 2028 and it expects to start replacing the coal-fired generation by combining wind, solar and battery storage technology.
The three wind projects were selected after comprehensive review of bids submitted through Request for Proposal (RFP) solicitation that NIPSCO ran as part of its last year’s Integrated Resource Plan process
The company has finalized agreements with three renewable energy developers including Apex Clean Energy, EDP Renewables North America and NextEra Energy Resources for the wind farms, which are expected to come into operation in the later part of next year.
One of the projects include the 400MW Jordan Creek wind project to be located in Benton and Warren counties, near Williamsport. It will be developed and constructed by NextEra Energy Resources.
The project will be powered by nearly 160 wind turbines. NIPSCO will purchase the power directly from Jordan Creek and will operate and maintain the facilities.
The second is the 300MW Roaming Bison wind project, which will be located in Montgomery County, near Waynetown. It will be developed and constructed by Apex Clean Energy.
The third is the 102MW Rosewater project, which will be located in White County. It will be developed by EDP Renewables North America and will be powered by about 25 turbines.
NIPSCO president Violet Sistovaris said: “We’re excited for the opportunity to add more home-grown renewable energy in Indiana. In addition to the economic benefits that projects like these add, the transition we’re making in our electric generation equates to an estimated $4 billion in cost-savings for customers over the long-term.”
The company is expected to announce a second RfP later this year.