Indiana Michigan Power to build company’s largest solar facility
Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) got approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to build the company’s largest solar generation facility in the Michiana, Ind., area.
“The solar facility will allow I&M customers and the entire Michiana area to take advantage of local green resources and assist local economic development efforts to attract businesses that are interested in renewable energy options,” I&M President and COO Toby Thomas said. “I&M is transforming our generation fleet, and this project ensures a bright future for our customers and our communities we serve.”
The new facility builds on I&M’s commitment to renewable energy as more than half of I&M’s generation fleet is emission-free.
The 20-megawatt solar facility will be located near the Indiana Toll Road and Bittersweet Road in St. Joseph County. Construction will begin in April, and it is expected to be in operation in fall 2020.
I&M currently operates four solar generation facilities — three in Indiana and one in Watervliet, Mich.
I&M will also collaborate on a solar project with the University of Notre Dame. Notre Dame will commit to supporting 40 percent of the renewable attributes of the solar facility. Further, I&M and Notre Dame will join forces on educational opportunities and research benefits from the project.
“The University of Notre Dame is pleased to be working with I&M to promote this green energy facility that will support both the University’s sustainability aspirations, as well as create opportunities for other entities in our community to benefit from access to green energy. We are particularly pleased to be able to participate in a project that will be here in St Joseph County and make a real impact on the University’s carbon emissions reductions,” Paul Kempf, Notre Dame assistant vice president of utilities and maintenance, said.
Indiana Michigan Power, headquartered in Fort Wayne, Ind., serves more than 597,000 customers. American Electric Power owns the company.
