Wind power in Indiana

Wind power in Indiana was limited to a few small water-pumping windmills on farms until 2008 with construction of Indiana's first utility-scale wind power facility, Goodland (phase I) with a nameplate capacity of 130 MW. As of September 2017, Indiana had a total of 1897 MW of wind power capacity installed, ranking it 12th among U.S. states.[1] Wind power was responsible for 4.8% of in-state electricity production in 2016.[2]

Union City
Headwaters
Carthage
Haubstadt
Kokomo
LaGrange
Wildcat I
Wind power projects in Indiana
  Operating
  Under construction
  Stand Alone Facilities

The main utility-scale development up to 2016 has been in the northwest part of the state in Benton, White, and Jasper Counties. As of May 2017, Fowler Ridge Wind Farm was completed and has a final nameplate capacity of 750 MW, making it the Midwest's largest wind farm, and one of the largest in the world. Wind energy growth in Indiana continues, with 15 projects currently online, continually increasing the total installed capacity of the state.[3][4]

Installed capacity and wind resources

The following table compares the growth in wind power installed nameplate capacity in MW for Indiana and the entire United States since 2003.[5][6][7]

Year Indiana US
2003 0 6,370
2004 0 6,725
2005 0 9,149
2006 0 11,603
2007 0 16,819
2008 130 25,170
2009 1,036 35,159
2010 1,238 40,180
2011 1,340 46,919
2012 1,543 60,007
2013 1,544 61,110
2014 1,745 65,880
2015 1,895 74,471
2016 1,895 82,171
2017 2,117 89,078
2018 2,317 96,487
2019 2,317 105,583
Installed capacity by state as of 2013 (animated map of installed capacity growth)
Average annual wind power density map for Indiana at 50m above ground

As of 2017 the state of Indiana ranks 12th in installed wind capacity and number of wind turbines with 1,897 MW and 1,096 turbines, respectively. Together, these yield 4.82% of the total in-state electricity production (~4,368,000 MWh or enough to power ~453,000 homes).[8][9] To put this number into perspective, Indiana consumed 104.514 TWh of electricity in 2015. However, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory predicts wind energy growth in Indiana, stating the wind potential (from turbines with an 80 m hub height) could reach levels upwards of 40,259 MW by 2030. This predicted potential growth is starting to materialize now, with 15 wind projects currently online in the state.[9]

Indiana also has some offshore wind resources in the shallows of Lake Michigan along its shoreline.[10][11][12] However, offshore wind power development is far behind onshore development in the United States generally, because onshore development is cheaper and the United States has an abundance of suitable onshore sites to develop. Indiana has no offshore wind farms as of 2020.

Wind generation
Indiana Wind Generation in 2015
Indiana Wind Generation (GWh, Million kWh)
Year Total Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
20123,16341630737438621218511394162324234357
20133,48145027633439630318413892155297449405
20143,495415252323388304190167101158325507366
20154,516411413424425365272176165214517554580
20163,885656572510451403280164148241460
2017 2,676 353 388 459 475 381 355 265
2018 5,437
2019 6,205

Source:[13][14][15][16][17] As this graph indicates, Indiana generally tends to have more steady wind from Fall to Spring months, evidenced by the fact that even in Southern Indiana, wind chill is a common factor of outside conditions. October and November, for example often see large variances in temperature, causing more days of strong gusty winds, thereby generating more wind electricity production. The same happens in March and April. But often in the Summer months the air tends to stagnate, resulting in less wind electricity production.

Wind farms

The following table of wind farms and utility-scale wind power developments uses data from the AWEA,[5] the State of Indiana,[18] and other sources. For the larger projects constructed in phases, the table lists separate information for each phase. The name of each wind farm is the name used by the energy company when referring to the farm. The Wind Farm suffix is implied and hence removed for brevity. For more details and references for each wind farm, see its article.

Wind farm County(s) Turbine model Power per turbine (MW) No. of Turbines Total Nameplate Capacity (MW) Online Developer Operator Power purchaser Coordinates
Benton County phase I Benton GE sl/sle Gen4 1.5 87 130.5 2008-04 Orion Energy Orion Energy Duke, Vectren 40.686°N 87.408°W / 40.686; -87.408 ("Benton County Wind Farm phase I")
Black River Gibson, Posey 65 (Proposed)
Fowler Ridge phase I Vestas Benton Vestas V82 1.65 182 300.3 2009-04 BP, Dominion BP, Dominion AEP, Dominion 40.608°N 87.320°W / 40.608; -87.320 ("Fowler Ridge Wind Farm phase I Vestas")
Fowler Ridge phase I Clipper Benton Clipper 2.5 2.5 40 100 2009-04 BP, Dominion BP, Dominion AEP, Dominion 40.608°N 87.320°W / 40.608; -87.320 ("Fowler Ridge Wind Farm phase I Clipper")
Fowler Ridge phase II Benton GE sl/sle Gen4 1.5 133 199.5 2009-12 BP, Dominion BP, Dominion AEP, Vectren 40.608°N 87.320°W / 40.608; -87.320 ("Fowler Ridge Wind Farm phase II")
Headwaters Randolph Vestas V110 2 100 200 December 2014 EDP Renewables North America EDP Renewables North America Indiana Michigan Power
Hoosier Benton REpower 2 53 106 2009-08 IPL, enXco IPL, enXco IPL 40.6°N 87.32°W / 40.6; -87.32 ("Hoosier Wind Farm")
Meadow Lake phase I White Vestas V82 1.65 121 199.65 October 2009 Horizon Wind Energy EDP Renewables North America AEP, wholesale market 40.601°N 86.865°W / 40.601; -86.865 ("Meadow Lake Wind Farm phase I")
Meadow Lake phase II White Acciona 1.5 66 99 June 2010 Horizon Wind Energy EDP Renewables North America 40.601°N 86.865°W / 40.601; -86.865 ("Meadow Lake Wind Farm phase II")
Meadow Lake phase III White GE 1.5 69 103.5 October 2010 Horizon Wind Energy EDP Renewables North America 40.601°N 86.865°W / 40.601; -86.865 ("Meadow Lake Wind Farm phase III")
Meadow Lake phase IV White Suzlon 2.1 47 98.7 October 2010 Horizon Wind Energy EDP Renewables North America 40.601°N 86.865°W / 40.601; -86.865 ("Meadow Lake Wind Farm phase IV")
Prairie Breeze Tipton 1.6 94 150 Juwi 40.361°N 86.152°W / 40.361; -86.152 ("Prairie Breeze Wind Farm")
Union City/Randolph Eastern School Corporation Randolph Nordic Windpower 1 2 2 2010-02 Performance Services Union City, Randolph Eastern School Corporation AEP 40.201°N 84.815°W / 40.201; -84.815 ("Union City/Randolph Eastern School Corporation")
Wildcat phase I Madison, Tipton GE 1.6 125 200 2012-10 E.ON E.ON AEP 40.352°N 85.882°W / 40.352; -85.882 ("Wildcat Wind Farm phase I")
Wildcat phase II Grant, Howard 40-60 (proposed) E.ON 40.480°N 85.860°W / 40.480; -85.860 ("Wildcat Wind Farm phase II")
Wildcat phase III Tipton 40-75 (proposed) E.ON
Wildcat phase IV Tipton (proposed) E.ON

Single-unit turbines

In addition to the above wind farms, single stand-alone units have also been built in multiple other locations, mostly at schools. Some of these units were placed to test the environment for future wind energy development.[19][20][21] [22] [23]

Location County Owner Wind speed
(m/s)		 Power
(Kw)
Akron Kosciusko Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation 6.5 m/s (14.5 mph) 900
Middletown Henry Shenandoah School Corporation 900
Carthage Shelby 7.7 / 99m
Haubstadt Gibson South Gibson School Corporation 6.1 / 99m
Kokomo Howard Northwestern School Corporation 7.0 / 99m
LaGrange LaGrange 7.0 / 99m
Upland Grant Taylor University
Francesville Pulaski West Central School Corporation 6.9 900

Environmental impact
Main article: Environmental impact of wind power

According to the USDOE, each 1000 MW of wind power capacity installed in Indiana will annually save 1,684 million gallons of water and eliminate 3.1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.[24]

For comparison, Indiana emitted a total of 1,883 lbs/MWh of carbon dioxide in 2015.[25][26][27]

As of March 2010 Indiana lacked a renewable energy standard, unlike several other midwestern states: Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Iowa.[28] Nevertheless, Indiana's wind power development had outpaced that of Ohio and Michigan.

Government policies and initiatives

The Indiana State government, along with the Federal Government, has put many incentives in place for the use of wind energy. The three main categories of incentives are 1) utility, 2) state, and 3) federal.

Utility

Utility incentives target customers that have their own small wind energy systems (no greater than 1 MW). These incentives consist of 1) Net Metering and 2) Feed in Tariff (FIT) incentives. Net metering allows the utility company to track the energy the wind system produces and customers can then use that energy as a credit on their bills. The FIT program, only adopted by the utility company Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), pays their customers per kW of energy produced by their wind turbine, opposed to offering a credit. Currently NIPSCO mandates a rate of $0.17/kWh for systems less than or equal to 100 kW and $0.10/kWh for systems 100 kW-2MW.[29]

State

State-level incentives consist of the 1) Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption and 2) Indiana Sales Tax Incentive for Electrical Generating Equipment. The renewable energy exemption states that the assessed value of any wind system installed after December 31, 2011 is eligible for property tax exemption pending the completion of state form 18865. The sales tax incentive states that the equipment used to produce renewable electricity are eligible for a sales tax exemption. The state of Indiana also implemented a voluntary Clean Energy Portfolio Standard (CPS) in May 2011. The CPS set a goal for the state to have 10% of its electric generation come from clean energy by 2025.[29]

Federal

Federal Incentives include 1) The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), 2) Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, and 3) Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit. The REAP program provides grants to agricultural producers and rural businesses for projects that yield more energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Business Energy Tax Credit, as of 9/18/2017, is only available to large wind turbines (greater than 100 kW in capacity) and will expire 12/31/2019. The credit is currently at a rate of 24% of invested expenditures with no credit cap. The Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit is similar to the Business Investment credit except only small turbines qualify (cannot exceed 100 kW). As of 9/18/2017, the tax credit is at 30% with no max. This credit will also expire 12/31/2019.[29]

Opposition

Wind power in Indiana has met stiff opposition in areas of the state. The opposition has been successful in stopping several projects in the state. Issues like shadow flicker, infrasound, bat barotrauma, bird strikes, dimensioned home values, and improper setbacks have upset large groups in the counties where wind farm development has taken place. Reports of these issue have caused concern in counties where projects are planned. As the open spaces suitable for wind power have filled up, the developers are now looking to place turbines closer to homes which has resulted in stiff opposition from residents. Residents in Henry County Indiana started fighting back by running candidates Susan Huhn and David Herring for the Commissioner seats in 2016. While both lost they each gained over 30% of the votes as Independent Candidates losing due to straight ticket voting. This attempt and later exposure of back door dealings by elected and appointed officials asking for jobs and contracts in Henry County started a larger movement for political reform. In July of 2017 Apex and NextEra were denied approval for extension of wind farm project permits in Henry County. NextEra ended their wind farm plans shortly thereafter as they also lost in Rush County denying NextEra of the transmission line interconnect needed to connect to the grid. The 2018 Election in Henry County resulted in a shake up when Anti-wind candidates Susan Huhn, Peggy Stefendal, Ed Taritino, and Kenon Gray won. This win resulted in Apex Clean Energy canceling their wind farm plans in Henry County. The anti-wind wins were not limited to just Henry County, and in 2018 other counties in the state had similar result where incumbents were beat. Henry County and Montgomery County residents used the "Home Rule" law to place wind turbine exclusion zones around their towns. State Senator Phillip Boots from Montgomery County with the help of Farm Bureau lobbied to remove home rule to stop this successful tactic being used by the opposition. Henry County due to legal reasons was allowed to grandfather in several towns. Several counties responded with moratorium or bans on turbine projects in response. Most recently the controversial Calpine Big Blue River Wind Farm was not approved by the Henry County Council to start construction when the vote ended in a quorum. Calpine filed suit against Henry County saying that the resulting quorum was not a definitive answer and that it's request needed to be reheard until a decision was made. Calpine later dismissed this lawsuit in early 2020. The 2020 election already had several "No Wind" candidates filed for the primaries setting the stage for responsible wind energy reform in the state. The 2020 primary elections in Miami and Henry County resulted in all incumbent pro-wind elected officials losing their seats. Currently Indiana Farm Bureau is lobbying to strip counties of the right to regulate wind farms by trying to strip zoning authority from the counties. This has been met with stiff resistance from the anti-wind groups as well as county officials and will likely result in legal action if Farm Bureau is successful in their attempt.

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gollark: Trouble with that is:- term.redirect won't provide it on `term`- stuff will need special modification anyway
gollark: How do you plan to handle the monitor and terminal having different sizes?
gollark: Except you'd run into problems with the different sizez.
gollark: You can probably do that thing automatically, actually.

See also

References
  1. "Indiana Wind Energy" (PDF). American Wind Energy Association.
  2. "Indiana Wind Energy" (PDF). U.S. Wind Energy State Facts. American Wind Energy Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 June 2018. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  3. "Indiana Wind Energy" (PDF). American Wind Energy Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-06-01.
  4. "Meadow Lake Update" (PDF). Horizon Wind Energy. 2009-07-15. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
  5. "U.S. Wind Energy Projects - Indiana". American Wind Energy Association. 2010-09-30. Archived from the original on 2012-12-28. Retrieved 2011-03-07.
  6. "EIA - Electricity Data Browser, Table 6.2.B. Net Summer Capacity Using Primarily Renewable Energy Sources and by State, December 2018 and 2017 (Megawatts)". U.S. Department of Energy. Retrieved 2019-03-22.
  7. U.S. Installed Wind Capacity
  8. "EIA - State Electricity Profiles". www.eia.gov. Retrieved 2017-10-11.
  9. "Indiana Wind Energy" (PDF). American Wind Energy Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-06-01.
  10. Bradley, David (2004-02-06). "A Great Potential: The Great Lakes as a Regional Renewable Energy Source" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-03-25. Retrieved 2008-10-04.
  11. "Great Lakes eyed for offshore wind farms". NBC News, Associated Press. 2008-10-31. Retrieved 2008-11-14.
  12. "Momentum Grows for Great Lakes Offshore Wind". NewEnergyNews. 2008-10-31. Retrieved 2008-11-15.
  13. EIA (July 27, 2012). "Electric Power Monthly Table 1.17.A." United States Department of Energy. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
  14. EIA (July 27, 2012). "Electric Power Monthly Table 1.17.B." United States Department of Energy. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
  15. EIA (February 2013). "Electric Power Monthly Table 1.17.A." (PDF). United States Department of Energy. Retrieved 2013-05-24.
  16. EIA (February 2016). "Electric Power Monthly Table 1.17.A." (PDF). United States Department of Energy. Retrieved 2016-04-03.
  17. U.S. Installed Wind Capacity
  18. "Indiana Office of Energy Development - Wind Power". IN.gov - Official Website of the State of Indiana. Retrieved 2010-03-23.
  19. ams.confex.com/ams/pdfpapers/91911.pdf
  20. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-02-29. Retrieved 2010-08-10.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  21. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-02-05. Retrieved 2012-02-06.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  22. http://www.wcsc.k12.in.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65:wind-turbine&catid=2&Itemid=214
  23. http://www.kchamber.com/news/details/news-release-10-21-2014
  24. Lantz, Eric; Tegen, Suzanne (May 2008). "Economic Benefits, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions Reductions, and Water Conservation Benefits from 1,000 Megawatts (MW) of New Wind Power in Indiana" (PDF). EERE, NREL. Archived from the original (PDF, 503kB) on 2010-05-28. Retrieved 2010-03-17.
  25. "EIA - State Electricity Profiles". www.eia.gov. Retrieved 2017-09-25.
  26. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/downloads/CO2FFC_2007.pdf
  27. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/downloads/CO2FFC_2007.xls
  28. Slabaugh, Seth (2010-01-11). "Indiana not promoting wind energy like its neighbors". Retrieved 2010-03-23.
  29. "OED: Wind Power". www.in.gov. Retrieved 2017-10-11.
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