AES Indiana announced Thursday an investment of $1.1 billion in Pike County’s energy future from 2024 to 2026. The investments include the repowering of Petersburg Generating Station Units 3 and 4 from coal to natural gas, pending approval and solar and battery storage projects.
The Pike County Battery Energy Storage System and the Petersburg Energy Center will add 250 megawatts of solar and 180 megawatt-hours of battery storage to AES’ portfolio, fortifying the electrician grid. These projects will create approximately 300 jobs for construction and generate $40 million in benefits for Pike residents over the next 20 years.
“These investments demonstrate our continued commitment to Pike County and leading the energy transition here in Indiana in a way that maintains affordability and reliability for our customers,” Ken Zagzebski, CEO of AES Indiana, said in a press release. “The economic growth across the state has been powered by our people at Petersburg for more than 50 years and will continue to play a significant role in Indiana’s economic future.”
The conversion of the Petersburg Generating Station to natural gas is anticipated to be the first Indiana utility out of coal, aligning with AES Indiana’s 2022 Integrated Resource Plan. The Petersburg project is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
Once completed, the Pike County Battery Energy Storage System will help deliver energy for up to four hours during peak times. It will be one of the largest battery energy storage systems in AES Indiana’s grid operator and is a momentous step towards green energy solutions.
AES Indiana also announced a $100 million donation to Petersburg for a new community center, a multi-purpose facility offering a variety of programs for recreation, education and health. The center is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
“The Petersburg Community Center will be an asset to the county and provide a sense of placemaking and pride in the community and spur population retention and population growth as a beautiful quality-of-life amenity,” Ashley Willis, Executive Director, Pike County Economic Development Corporation, said in a press release. “We are incredibly grateful to AES Indiana for their partnership and continued support of Petersburg.”
For more information visit aesindiana.com/pike-county.
New AES Indiana president focusing on the future (indianapolisrecorder.com)
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
