AES Indiana to acquire 250 MW Petersburg Solar Project in Pike County

With an expected operational date of no later than May 1, 2024, AES Indiana announced last week that it intends to acquire and build a 250 MW solar and 180 MWh energy storage facility in Pike County, Ind., known as the Petersburg Solar Project.

If approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), AES Indiana will acquire the facility from NextEra Energy Resources, LLC. Even with that acquisition, NextEra will be responsible for developing and constructing the Petersburg project.

“The Petersburg Solar Project is a win-win solution that adds new technologies to our generation fleet while also keeping economic benefits right here in Indiana,” AES Indiana President and CEO Kristina Lund said. “We are excited to evolve our long-time partnership with Pike County, a community that has helped support and power the needs of Indianapolis for 50 years.”

For AES Indiana, the move is part of a longer term effort to diversify its portfolio and add more renewables, even as it attempts to modernize its energy grid. Once complete, Petersburg Solr will be connected to the existing Petersburg Generating Station, through which it will be able to provide enough power to support approximately 45,000 homes during peak hours.

“Pike County welcomes the new investment of the Petersburg Solar Project and the several benefits of the project including new construction jobs and new tax revenue to the county,” Ashley Willis, director of Economic Development at the Pike County Economic Development Corporation, said. “Our community embraces new business, industry, and job creation. Clean energy is critical infrastructure for the future, and Pike County is proud to be a part of the exciting industry sector.”