Duke Energy to Build Solar Facility in Crane
If approved
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowDuke Energy is planning to build a 17-megawatt solar facility at Naval Support Activity Crane in southwest central Indiana. If approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, the facility is expected to be placed into commercial service later this year.
The solar facility will feature approximately 76,000 solar panels constructed on about 145 acres on the southeast side of the base. That would make it one of the largest solar facilities in the state. The company says the facility will connect to the electric grid at a Duke-owned substation on NSA Crane property.
Duke says it has requested a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the IURC. The power generated by the facility will be available to Duke Energy Indiana customers. The Navy will continue to purchase power from Duke.
“This project further advances our commitment to bring more renewable energy to our customers and we are pleased to again be working with the Department of the Navy,” said Melody Birmingham-Byrd, president of Duke Energy Indiana.
This is the second solar project built in partnership between Duke Energy and the Department of the Navy. A 13-megawatt solar facility is now operational at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Duke has over 2,000 megawatts of wind and solar facilities in 12 states.