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| Indiana’s energy sector is bringing jobs to state |
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Today, you can’t flip on a light switch or fill your gas tank without hearing talk about where that energy is coming from. But while many states seem to be dealing with just words or statements, Indiana has taken action. The result is an energy sector that has become an economic development tool for the state.
In 2005, Indiana was home to one ethanol plant and no E85 stations. Now Indiana boasts 12 ethanol plants in some form of production or preparation. Our number of E85 public fueling stations – 135 at last count – ranks us third in the nation. Most recently Indiana was the recipient of a $10 million grant that will convert more than 700 public and private vehicles from regular petroleum products to the use of propane and compressed natural gas. This grant will also place new E85 public stations in the state.
Anyone driving up I-65 toward Chicago has seen the amazing growth in Indiana wind development. The American Wind Energy Assoc. gave Indiana the distinction of being the top state in wind development in 2008 and second best in 2009. At this moment, Indiana has more than 30 wind power projects in some level of development and planning across 27 counties. Indiana’s business climate and local ordinances for wind development have been responsible for many developers choosing Indiana.
But despite our success in alternative energy, Indiana has always been a state that makes things. So we’ve colored that green as well, working hard to attract the manufacturing side of wind development to the state. Gear box manufacturer Brevini Wind USA in Muncie has been the largest of the component companies to come to Indiana.
Along with Brevini, we are in talks with other wind component companies to locate in Indiana and make their products in a state with manufacturing experience, a good business climate and a ready workforce.
Indiana is also poised to be a leader in battery power development for battery or electric plug-in vehicles. Energy Systems Network, a consortium including many major auto manufacturers, academic institutions and brand new businesses, is one group developing a plan to make Indiana the leader in new battery technology. Whether in vehicles, or other uses, Indiana knows that power storage is the key to making renewable power even more effective.
We also know that we have some of the best and most innovative companies here to work on these complex battery technology issues.
Indiana companies have been turning waste products into energy for some time, and we continue to innovate. Indiana has 16 landfills producing, either heat or electric, to power local homes and businesses. There are large agricultural operations that use digesters to process animal waste.
Digesters reduce odor, remove methane gas, and leave a nutrient filled byproduct used for fertilizer and animal bedding.
Another new source of alternative fuel where we’ve shown leadership is algae development as an energy source. Algae can be harvested and used to power generators or even make biodiesel. One Hoosier company is using algae to treat wastewater and then using the algae to power the operation of the wastewater plant.
Cellulose based fuels have been on Indiana’s radar for a long time. Indiana was one of the first two states to pass incentives for producers of cellulose-based fuels. As a leading agricultural state, we can produce the kinds of cellulose material for alternative fuel production. We have not been shy about approaching companies ready to move into this type of alternative fuel production.
Finally, Indiana has taken the steps to be a major leader in clean coal technologies. Duke Energy’s Edwardsport plant is a perfect example of a cleaner alternative energy coming from a traditional energy source.
Indiana is a state of ideas and solutions. We continue to pursue projects and companies that cover all spectrums of alternative energy, such as the recent announcement of a solar component manufacturer coming to Tipton County. Indiana is finding that success in alternative energy can come from both being producers of alternative energy and producing the products that make alternative energy for sale worldwide.
By being innovators and having the best business climate, Indiana is truly a leader in seeking out new opportunities in energy development, which should ultimately result in more jobs for Hoosiers. |
| 8/18/2010 |
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