Duke to build solar facility at Crane

 

Duke Energy plans to build  a 17-megawatt solar facility at the Crane Naval Support Activity in Crane.
If the planned project approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, Duke Energy will own and operate the facility, which is expected to be placed into commercial service this year.

The solar facility will connect to the electric grid at a Duke Energy Indiana-owned substation on NSA Crane property. It will feature approximately 76,000 solar panels built on about 145 acres in the southeast portion of the naval base, making it one of the largest solar facilities in the state.

The power generated will be available to Duke Energy Indiana customers and the Navy will continue to purchase power from Duke Energy Indiana.

 

Crane Commander Timothy Craddock says the project helps solidify Crane’s longevity as a community partner by providing local and regional energy security through diversified energy sources.

In a separate project, Duke along with  the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is investing $1 million to fund research at the Battery Innovation Center near NSA Crane to study how battery storage can maximize renewable power sources, such as rooftop solar panels and small wind turbines, and integrate them into the electric grid.

 

Duke Energy Indiana has also signed agreements with solar developers to purchase up to 20 megawatts of solar power at four Indiana locations. Two of these solar facilities in Vigo and Clay counties are currently in service.