The transformation and re-firing of a power plant in Petersburg could mark a switch away from coal as a fuel source. AES Indiana could be the first large utility in Indiana to totally abandon coal, but it is still waiting to get approval from state utility regulators. If that change is approved, AES Indiana is poised for a $300 million conversion of the plant to burn natural gas.
Experts believe natural gas is both cheaper and a somewhat cleaner fuel. Earlier this month, AES Indiana said they are making $1.1 billion in investments into Pike County’s energy future from 2024 to 2026. Those include the repowering of Petersburg Generating Station Units 3 and 4 from coal to natural gas.
It would be the second natural gas-fired plant in the area. Duke Energy’s Edwardsport power plant still uses coal– but in a process to convert it to natural gas for usage in the plant.
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