NIPSCO completes wind farm projects
MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Merrillville-based Northern Indiana Public Service Co. says it has completed its first two wind projects in Indiana. The utility says the Rosewater Wind Farm in White County and the Jordan Creek Wind Energy Center near Williamsport are part of its plan to be 100% coal-free by 2028.
Plans for the 102-megawatt Rosewater Wind Farm were first announced in October 2019. NIPSCO says the wind farm, developed by Houston-based EDP Renewables North America LLC, is owned and operated by a joint venture involving NIPSCO, EDP, and a tax equity investor.
“White County has hosted wind farms for more than a decade, and we’re happy to see the latest project, NIPSCO’s Rosewater Wind Farm, fully constructed and generating clean energy for my fellow Hoosiers,” White County Commissioner Steve Burton said in a news release. “The wind farms have provided reliable investments and a strong tax base for our county, and the economic boost from Rosewater Wind Farm was a bright spot during an extremely challenging year.”
The 400-megawatt Jordan Creek Wind Energy Center, located in Benton and Warren counties, was built by Florida-based NextEra Energy Resources, which will also serve as owner and operator. NIPSCO says the energy generated at the wind farm will serve customers through a 20-year power purchase agreement.
“The Jordan Creek Wind Energy Center will provide millions of dollars in additional revenue to Warren and Benton counties and will bring homegrown, renewable energy to Indiana for years to come,” said John Ketchum, chief executive officer of NextEra. “We are pleased to work with NIPSCO on this wind project, and we look forward to continue working with them to bring several solar and battery storage projects to the Hoosier state in 2022 and 2023.”
NIPSCO says it has eight more renewable energy products in its pipeline. The Indiana Crossroads Wind Farm in White County is currently under construction and expected to be complete this year. The others are expected to begin construction within the next two years in Jasper, Boone, Henry, White and Gibson counties in Indiana, as well as Breckinridge and Meade counties in Kentucky.