Accelerating Renewable Energy
Indiana can be a leader in the renewable energy transition.
By the middle of this decade, more than a quarter of America’s energy is expected to come from renewable sources, and up to 75% of the country’s new large renewable energy projects will take place in the central United States.
Building the clean energy infrastructure needed to meet the U.S. emissions goals will require a lot of land. The Hoosier State has it in abundance. That’s why Indiana is emerging as a key player in the effort to accelerate the renewable energy transition.
The Nature Conservancy in Indiana is helping our private and public partners develop and deliver clean, wildlife-friendly renewable power to Hoosiers faster and cheaper.
Together, we’re working to implement historic federal investments in renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions and bring about a more prosperous future for all Hoosiers.
Clean Energy: A Win for America
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Clean Energy Benefits America's Economy, Communities and Nature
Clean energy is growing at a record pace across the country and here in Indiana. It’s helping our economy, supporting businesses, creating jobs and benefiting nature. Check out our new clean energy webpage
Finding Ground on Clean Energy
TNC commissioned a statewide survey of 600 voters this past May. The poll, conducted by Bellwether Research, shows that Hoosier voters believe the state can achieve critical climate objectives by transitioning to renewable energy, while simultaneously addressing conservation and community opportunities and challenges.
How Hoosiers View Wind and Solar Projects
Based on a 2023 poll commissioned by The Nature Conservancy
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71%
want the state to increase solar energy
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61%
want the state to increase wind energy
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66%
are favorable to solar energy production, including 64% of Hoosiers who live in counties that are primed for solar development projects
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63%
are favorable to wind energy projects, including 55% of Hoosiers who live in counties that are primed for wind development projects
Clear Support for Clean Energy
Hoosier voters support the following actions that Indiana can take to meet rising business demand for renewable energy, take advantage of federal tax credits, and balance social, environmental and economic concerns about land usage.
The Nature Conservancy's Role
The Nature Conservancy stands ready to help our private and public partners in their work to develop and deliver clean, wildlife-friendly renewable power to Hoosiers faster and cheaper.
Together, we can reach a clean energy economy while protecting our communities, important habitats and wildlife, and our future climate.
A Holistic Approach to Renewable Procurement and Siting
A solution to land usage concerns and renewable projects: Embrace the “3Cs” for clean energy development, procurement and siting:
Communities: Support an equitable transition that considers the needs of various people and communities.
Conservation: Protect wildlife and habitat.
Climate: Optimize carbon impact.
Siting renewable projects in areas that would significantly impact wildlife, habitat, people or communities can lead to conflict and slow the progression of renewable projects. These delays and increased costs can be minimized by evaluating siting considerations early in the project development process.
This approach, detailed in TNC’s Power of Place report, cuts the amount of land needed for renewable installations to reach the U.S. net zero goal in half. It also helps ensure that projects are completed in a timely manner. A study of solar projects indicates permitting was three times faster and project costs were 7% to 14% lower when projects were sited in areas of low biodiversity, compared to high biodiversity sites.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to this challenging work. However, TNC has developed a number of resources that can help Midwest companies balance a 3C approach to procurement and siting with other priorities.
Resources for Planning, Procuring and Siting
The following TNC resources and tools are helping a growing number of businesses ensure renewable projects meet environmental and social commitments as well as financial goals—while meeting the 3Cs.
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Site Renewables Right
Interactive Map
TNC’s Site Renewables Right maps identify where wind and solar energy can be developed in the central United States while conserving important wildlife habitats and natural areas at the same time. EXPLORE THE MAP
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Power of Place: Clean Energy Solutions for People
National Report
This report can help energy planners & policymakers execute net-zero strategies that benefit climate, nature & people. It shows that with careful & coordinated planning & robust community engagement, the U.S. can build clean energy infrastructure needed for economy-wide, net-zero emissions by 2050.
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Be a Part of the Solution
Nature needs you to make your voice heard and convince Indiana’s leaders commit to change. Join our community of advocates and learn how you can take action today.