Innovation

Innovation

IEA members invest heavily in electric and natural gas infrastructure improvements in Indiana to aid in modernizing utility systems. Examples include investments in power plants, renewables, substations, circuits, underground cables, electric breakers/ transformers, the replacement and upgrade of natural gas transmission lines and distribution mains, and the extension of natural gas for economic development purposes.

In fact, more than $4B will be invested in aging infrastructure, modernization, and new development over the next five to seven years. The result of this investment has been an increase in safety, reliability and economic growth statewide, including in underserved areas. It also supports innovation and improves the customer experience.

Transmission

Indiana is part of two Regional Transmission Organizations – MISO and PJM. These RTOs coordinate, control and monitor the operation of the electrical power system across different regions. 

Over the coming years, our transmission system will be upgraded across the Midwest to enable the delivery of reliable and affordable energy and further diversify resources.

For more information, please visit: MISO Board Approves $10.3B in Transmission Projects (misoenergy.org).

Drivers of Change

How the Energy industry is evolving

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

System Reliability

FEDERAL + STATE POLICIES

GRANT
FUNDING

Here are just a few of the many ways that energy providers can help advance the industry:

  • Grid preparedness

  • Rate design

  • Technical knowledge

  • Community engagement

  • Data and information gathering

  • Partnerships

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Small Modular Nuclear Reactors or SMRs function in the same way as a traditional nuclear reactor but have a lower power output of 470 MW or less. This number is consistent with Indiana statute. Given their smaller size, these reactors can be sited at locations that are not suitable for full-scale nuclear plants. Just like traditional reactors, SMRs utilize nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy, making them capable of producing large amounts of low-carbon electricity. SMRs provide a dispatchable source of power as they can adjust output as demand shifts. They are also more reliable than other forms of renewable energy, like solar and wind, that depend on weather conditions to operate at full power.

To learn more about SMRs visit: What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)? | IAEA

Purdue SMR Study

In 2024, Purdue University’s School of Nuclear Engineering submitted a report on its research into SMRs in Indiana. The report found that SMRs could create around 2,000 construction jobs and provide an annual boost of $500 million to the Indiana economy. The study also identified 8 existing or retired coal generation sites in Indiana that would be suitable for SMR conversion. When using an existing coal site the report states that SMR project costs could be reduced by 7-26%.

Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs)

Light-duty vehicles are typically equipped with dedicated or bi-fuel systems, while heavy-duty vehicles use dedicated or dual-fuel systems. CNG vehicles store natural gas in tanks where it remains in a gaseous state. More fuel can be stored onboard a vehicle using LNG because the fuel is stored as a liquid, making its energy density greater than that of CNG. In the US, there are currently more than 175,000 NGVs operating and more than 23 million on the roads worldwide.

Source: https://ngvamerica.org

Fueling Stations and Corridors

As of 2020, there are 62 public LNG fuel stations and 876 public CNG fueling stations in the United States. In Indiana, there are 11 private LNG fuel stations and 25 public CNG stations. There are currently 8 designated CNG corridors and 2 pending LNG corridors in Indiana. Use the Alternative Fuel Station Locator to find a station ↓