Indiana Launches Ambitious Energy Plan
by Rocky Mountain Institute 
on 07.24.08
As debate over U.S. energy policy stalls on whether or not we should drill for more oil, it's heartening to see states taking the lead on real energy solutions.
And it's not just California anymore. From Texas's multi-billion dollar wind projects to Pennsylvania's rust-belt renewal, states across the country are realizing the many benefits of developing a green economy.
The latest state to join the fray: Indiana.
In 2006, the state's governor, Mitch Daniels, released a report called Accelerating Growth (PDF), calling for economic renewal through innovation. A snippet:
Accelerating Growth is intended to help revive Indiana's remarkable history of pragmatic entrepreneurship and economic dynamism. By focusing on innovation, talent, and investment -- the key themes of our plan -- we can build for the future by rediscovering the excitement of Indiana's innovative past.
That initial spark encouraged a group of Hoosiers to found the Indiana Energy Services Network (IESN). The group realized that their state had a number of untapped assets in the automotive, energy storage (think batteries), and power electronics sectors. By establishing a network of businesses, academic institutions, workforce development agencies, and other key players, IESN hopes to make the region a research and innovation hub for a clean, green economy.
But where to start?
In June, Rocky Mountain Institute convened 40 people from businesses, universities, and workforce development agencies across the state to answer just that question. Among the organizations represented: Delphi, Cummins, Rolls Royce, Purdue University, Notre Dame University, and Duke Energy.
With the right policies, investment, and collaboration, the participants believe Indiana could build a fleet of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that communicate with and provide services to the grid. Proving this vehicle-to-grid (V2G) concept could position Indiana as a leader in fuel-efficient transportation solutions, create jobs, and revitalize the state's economy.
For more information, check out this report.
Image Credit::Kyle Duba
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