Duke Energy inaugurates solar power plant at NSA Crane, US

Duke Energy, in collaboration with the Department of the Navy (DON) and the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Crane, has inaugurated the 17MW solar power plant.

Comprising approximately 76,000 solar panels installed across 145 acres of land, the new solar power facility is constructed at NSA Crane about 40 miles south of Bloomington in Indiana.

Indiana lieutenant governor Suzanne Crouch said: “The solar project at NSA Crane will serve as a catalyst for future energy infrastructure projects for the navy, as well as bringing greater energy management to our state, spurring innovation and growth.”

Constructed by Duke Energy, the solar facility will be owned, operated and maintained by the company.

In exchange for offering secure, on-base land required for the project, NSA Crane will receive in-kind consideration in the form of electrical infrastructure upgrades, such as a motor-operated disconnect switch and a microgrid feasibility study to enhance future base resiliency.

Duke Energy Indiana president Melody Birmingham-Byrd said: “This solar power plant helps provide our customers with a more balanced energy mix using both traditional fuel sources and renewable energy sources.

“We are pleased to partner with the navy on a project that will deliver clean energy to Indiana customers, and improved energy security for the navy.”