Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), an operating company of American Electric Power, has proposed a 20 MW solar project in partnership with the University of Notre Dame.
The South Bend Solar Project, located in St. Joseph County, Ind., would be built and operated by I&M and would provide enough energy to power 2,700 homes annually. Notre Dame and I&M will work together to ensure educational opportunities and research benefits of the project are realized. Notre Dame will also further its sustainability goals by supporting renewable energy based on 40% of the output of the solar facility.
“This large-scale solar project aligns with I&M’s push to diversify our generation fleet and to ensure a bright future for our customers and the communities we serve,” says Toby Thomas, I&M’s president and chief operating officer. “The South Bend Solar Project would help local economic development and would give our customers an opportunity to take advantage of locally provided renewable resources.”
“Notre Dame is pleased to be partnering with our local energy partner Indiana Michigan Power on this significant solar energy project,” notes Paul Kempf, senior director of utilities and maintenance for Notre Dame. “The university looks forward to expanding its portfolio of renewable and recoverable energy sources and achieving the positive environmental benefits this project would provide. It is important to us to work within our own community to create such projects that have a local impact on our environment and economy.”
The South Bend Solar Project would be sited about 10 miles northeast of the university. Subject to the approval of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, the facility is expected to be in operation by late 2020.
I&M currently operates four other solar generation facilities – three in Indiana and one in Michigan.
