FROM INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING

A new report shows Indiana has a lot of land space for solar and renewable energy projects.

The Nature Conservatory’s Mining the Sun Report shows the state has many brownfields – or previously used industrial lands all over the state– and 150,000 acres of former coal mining sites that could serve as spots for future solar projects.

Sean Mobley is the senior policy associate for climate and clean energy with the Indiana chapter of the group.

He says the report looks into areas that are suitable for these solar projects, but also wouldn’t conflict with other natural elements.

Mobley says identifying these potential project areas is a good first step.

But, he says it will take cooperation and input from state and local governments and local communities to move forward with projects by working with state and local units of government in order to, further incentivize, or prioritize the sites for renewable energy development.

Mobley says he’s hopeful about the demand from statewide companies and clean energy buyers to lower emissions and develop cleaner energy.