Wedoany.com Report-May 4, AES Indiana, a subsidiary of AES Corp, has commissioned a 200-MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Pike County, Indiana, and received approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to acquire an 85-MW solar-plus-storage project from Lightsource bp. These developments support the utility’s efforts to enhance grid reliability and transition to a balanced energy portfolio.

Solar power plant.

The 200-MW Pike County BESS, one of AES Indiana’s largest in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) market, began commercial operations as part of a $1.1 billion investment initiative in Pike County from 2024 to 2026. With a four-hour storage capacity, the facility can supply electricity to over 38,000 homes, improving grid stability. Brandi Davis-Handy, president of AES Indiana, stated: “These announcements represent the latest milestones in our more than a decade-long journey toward transitioning to a more balanced energy portfolio that adds flexibility to the grid while keeping costs affordable for our customers.”

The IURC approved AES Indiana’s acquisition of the Crossvine project in Dubois County, which includes an 85-MW photovoltaic (PV) farm paired with an 85-MW, four-hour BESS. Set to be operational by mid-2027, the project will generate enough electricity to power approximately 14,500 homes annually. A spokesperson noted: “The Crossvine project’s addition to AES Indiana’s portfolio will help the utility fulfill a generation need identified as part of its 2022 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).”

The Crossvine project aligns with AES Indiana’s strategy to integrate renewable energy sources, addressing the growing demand for clean and reliable power. The co-located solar and storage system enhances the utility’s ability to manage energy supply efficiently, supporting both residential and commercial customers in Dubois County.

The Pike County BESS strengthens AES Indiana’s capacity to store and distribute energy, ensuring consistent service during peak demand. This initiative reflects the utility’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure while maintaining affordability. The investment in Pike County is part of a broader plan to expand renewable and storage solutions, aligning with regional energy goals.

AES Indiana’s progress in Pike and Dubois Counties demonstrates its focus on sustainable energy development. By combining large-scale battery storage with solar generation, the utility is enhancing grid flexibility and supporting Indiana’s clean energy transition. These projects position AES Indiana as a leader in delivering innovative and cost-effective energy solutions to its customers.