Duke Energy is to build a 17MW AC solar plant at Naval Support Activity Crane base, 40 miles southwest of Bloomington in Indiana.
The energy company has requested a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
If approved, Duke Energy Indiana will own and operate the facility, which is expected to come online in 2016.
The plant 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 constructed across145 acres in the southeast portion of the naval base.
The power generated by the solar facility will be available to Duke Energy Indiana customers and the Navy.
Duke Energy Indiana president Melody Birmingham-Byrd said: “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.
NSA Crane commanding officer Timothy Craddock said: “This project exhibits the Department of the Navy’s commitment to renewable energy.
“Likewise, it helps solidify Crane’s longevity as a community partner, providing local and regional energy security through diversified energy sources.”
Duke Energy Indiana has also signed agreements with solar developers to purchase up to 20MW of solar power at four Indiana locations.
Two of the facilities in Vigo and Clay counties are in service now; the remaining two plants are expected to be in service in early 2016.
The company, in coordination with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, is also investing $1m to fund research at the Battery Innovation Center near NSA Crane to study how battery storage can maximize renewable power sources.
Image: Duke Energy
