2023 Innovation Issue: Fields of fortune
But nearly half of Indiana’s corn is turned into ethanol as a fuel blend for cars, and nearly one-quarter of the soybean crop is turned into biodiesel for heavy-duty trucks.
Alternative energy
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Indiana group joins forces with Illinois, Michigan coalition on hydrogen hub effort
The program aims to award $7 billion to fund six to 10 hydrogen hub projects focused on the production, processing, delivery, storage and end use of clean hydrogen, with the goal of boosting the nation’s hydrogen economy.
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Committee advances changes to Indiana carbon sequestration pilot project
The proposal seeks to advance the construction of carbon capture and sequestration projects, while also giving special privileges to a company preparing to undertake the nation’s largest carbon dioxide storage project.
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Purdue, Duke Energy to study nuclear reactor to power campus
Just two months after Indiana lawmakers passed a law that would allow electric utilities to build small, prefabricated nuclear reactors, Purdue University and Duke Energy Corp. jointly announced Wednesday they plan to explore the feasibility of using the technology.
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AES Indiana to shut down coal-fired units by 2025, parent says
The parent of electric utility AES Indiana announced Friday morning it plans to give up coal as a fuel source, a move likely to lead to the early shutdown of coal-fired units at its massive Petersburg Generating Station.
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Articles
Indiana gears up to turn manure into renewable energy
Biogas is still a tiny sliver of the energy world, accounting for less than 1% of Indiana’s energy generation. But some utility experts are keeping their eye on it as a sleeper source of energy.
Money debate begins in Statehouse over transition to green energy
A bill advancing through the Legislature would add natural gas to the list of clean-energy projects state utility regulators could consider for a financial incentive known as “construction work in progress,” or CWIP for short.
Renewable energy advocates seek legislative daylight for more solar and wind farms
An Indiana Senate bill looks to provide incentives to encourage counties to adopt developer-friendly ordinances for solar and wind projects, but local objections persist.
Cummins reveals Accelera as new brand for its green-tech power biz
The rebranding is an attempt to differentiate what until now had been known as Cummins’ New Power business unit, giving it a separate identity from the rest of the 104-year-old company, which has traditionally been known for its diesel engines.
Indiana gets the nod to proceed with federal hydrogen hub proposal
The Indiana coalition, which received U.S. Department of Energy encouragement to submit a full proposal, is now deciding whether to join forces with other applicants for a better chance of securing a portion of $7 billion in federal funding.
Indiana gasoline tax dropping 3 cents per gallon in January
A total of 52.9 cents per gallon in state taxes will be charged during January under rate changes released Tuesday by the Indiana Department of Revenue.
Large Indiana cities and employers ask Duke, AES for more clean-energy options
A trade group that promotes clean energy, Indianapolis, Bloomington, Walmart, Salesforce and Cummins were among those issuing a letter urging the utilities to offer more options to large energy customers to receive their electricity from renewable energy.
Heritage Group finds success with venture fund
To date HG Ventures has invested nearly $200 million in a total of 30 companies, eight of which had been participants in The Heritage Group Accelerator.
EnPower’s pivot to battery-making leads company to Indianapolis
The company has recently begun testing its first products with customers and is working to ramp up production in coming months.
You don’t have to own a home to go solar; some renters have an option, too
Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia allow community solar projects. Indiana is not one of them, according to the EPA.
Electric vehicle commission is setting stage for industry growth in state
Members are conducting research on everything from the capabilities of Indiana’s current auto manufacturers to potential opportunities for research and development within the EV product industry.
Biden launches $6B effort to save distressed nuclear plants
Owners or operators of nuclear power reactors that are expected to shut down for economic reasons can apply for funding to avoid closing prematurely. The first round of awards will prioritize reactors that have already announced plans to close.
U.S. seeks new lithium sources as demand for batteries grows
The U.S. will need far more lithium to achieve its clean energy goals, but the industry that mines, extracts and processes the chemical element faces a host of challenges from environmentalists, Indigenous groups and government regulators.
Zionsville’s solar effort recognized by national program
The designation from SolSmart recognizes Zionsville for taking steps to encourage solar energy and remove obstacles for solar development.
Lawmakers lay groundwork for electric-vehicle infrastructure
House Bill 1221 outlines parameters for utility regulators to use when considering utilities’ proposals for constructing charging stations and setting consumer rates for their use.
IBJ Podcast: Is nuclear power headed to Indiana?
IBJ reporter John Russell joins the podcast to talk about why the Indiana Legislature is consider a proposal that could help clear a path for smaller, modular nuclear reactors to be located in Indiana.
Nuclear power could get a second chance in Indiana
Some once-leery states, including Indiana, are taking a new look at nuclear power as a way to preserve jobs and help decarbonize the electric grid.
Indiana Senate panel advances bill allowing small nuclear reactors
The vote represents a major shift for Indiana, which has never had commercial nuclear power and has long relied on coal to power homes and factories.
Carmel-based company bringing ‘floatovoltaics’ to Midwest
Solential Energy Solutions LLC is partnering with France-based Ciel & Terre to secure solar arrays engineered to float on the surface of reservoirs and treatment lagoons.