Indiana Clean Energy Guide
Indiana is undergoing a significant energy transition, moving from one of the nation's most coal-dependent states to a growing clean energy player. Ranked 10th nationally in capacity with $15 billion invested.
Source: American Clean Power Association
Last updated: January 30, 2026
Grid Operator: MISO
Indiana operates within MISO, benefiting from regional electricity trading and integration of wind and solar resources across the Midwest.
Learn more about MISOCoal Transition
Indiana has historically relied heavily on coal for electricity generation. However, economics have shifted dramatically—utilities are retiring coal plants and replacing them with wind, solar, natural gas, and battery storage.
Major Utility Plans
- Duke Energy Indiana: Retiring coal, investing in solar and storage
- AES Indiana: Major coal-to-clean transition underway
- NIPSCO: Replacing coal with wind, solar, and storage
- Vectren (CenterPoint): Solar investments
Wind Energy Growth
Northern Indiana has excellent wind resources, and the state has built significant wind capacity. Wind farms across the northern tier provide clean energy and rural economic benefits through land lease payments and local taxes.
Key Developers Active in Indiana
- E.ON (RWE): Major wind developer
- Invenergy: Wind and solar development
- EDP Renewables: Wind projects
- NextEra Energy Resources: Wind and solar
Challenges & Outlook
Indiana faces challenges including local opposition to some solar projects, lack of a state clean energy mandate, and grid constraints in some areas.
However, utility economics strongly favor renewables over continued coal operation. Indiana's clean energy capacity will continue growing as coal retirements accelerate and utilities fulfill their resource plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Indiana transitioning from coal?
Indiana has been one of the most coal-dependent states, but utilities are retiring coal plants and replacing them with wind, solar, and natural gas as economics have shifted.
What is driving renewable growth in Indiana?
Economic factors are the primary driver—wind and solar are now cheaper than continuing to operate aging coal plants. Utilities like Duke Energy and AES Indiana are investing billions.
Does Indiana have a renewable portfolio standard?
Indiana does not have a mandatory RPS. Growth has been driven by utility economics rather than state mandates.
How does Indiana participate in MISO?
Indiana operates within MISO, which facilitates regional electricity trading and helps integrate the state's growing wind and solar resources.