Projects

As part of the IN R-STEP program, the collaborative is spearheading research, education, and technical projects. As projects get underway, updates can be found below.

IN-APA and Purdue Extension will host 2-4 webinars each year for community planners and local decision-makers about renewable energy planning topics.

Introduction to Renewable Energy

April 1, 2025 ~ 3:00-4:30 PM ET

Presenters will cover the basics of renewable energy production from project types and energy distribution, to siting decisions and how utilities work with communities. Joining us will be Ryan Hadley, from Indiana Electric Cooperatives, Melissa Wright, from Duke Energy, and Andrew Magner, from EDP Renewables. For more information, interested parties can contact the program leads at Purdue Extension Community Development or visit the upcoming events website at puext.in/rstep.

Thanks to those who joined us for the R-STEP: Introduction to Renewable Energy on Zoom on April 1st!

We heard that some individuals had trouble getting into the meeting, and we’re sorry if that happened to you. Technology is our frenemy!

If you missed it (or just want to revisit the discussion), you can watch the full recording here:

👉 Watch the Recording

Presentation Slides

Duke Energy - Melissa Wright, PMP
Indiana's Electric System Overview - Ryan Hadley, Director of Policy & Government Relations
Intro to Renewable Energy - Andrew Magner, Senior Development Manager

We’d also appreciate your help with a few quick follow-up items:

💬 Program Evaluation Survey
🌍 Voluntary & Anonymous Demographics Survey

Thank you again for attending this event and supporting APA Indiana.

Center for Energy Education will deliver 3-6 regional workshops on renewable energy for local decision-makers annually.

Purdue Extension and CN Consulting will host 3 renewable energy bus tours a year for community decision-makers visiting utility solar and wind developments and hearing from both developers and local leaders about the project process.

Renewable Energy Workshop and Bus Tour- March 4, 2025

Hosted by the Center for Energy Education and Purdue Extension with CN Consulting

White County, Indiana

Presentations

State of the Energy Industry- Connie Neininger, CN Consulting
Overview of Local Planning and Permitting-Tamara Ogle, Purdue Extension
Agrivoltaics-Sheep Grazing- Billy Bope, Starke Co farmer
Economic Impact of Renewables- Lee Lewellen, Lewellen Progress Strategies

Bus Tour

IN-ACRE will provide 2-4 webinars a year for land owners about utility-scale renewable energy topics.