Getting your news
Attempting to reconnect
Finding the latest in Climate
Hang in there while we load your news feed
Indiana Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across Indiana — updated daily.
Recent Indiana data center news
-
Climate Change Solutions - July 29, 2025
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) newsletter highlights recent climate change solutions, legislative updates, and upcoming events.
- Innovative technologies such as AI-driven disaster resilience tools by U.S. National Laboratories and upgraded air filters to reduce wildfire smoke injuries are featured.
- Legislative progress includes the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act passed by the House, the La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act advancing with job creation and solar capacity details, and the Fire Ready Nation Act advancing in the Senate to enhance wildfire forecasting.
- Upcoming briefings focus on Ohio River restoration and the intersection of AI and climate policy.
- The newsletter also provides links to recordings of the 28th annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and related policy forums.
- EESI President Daniel Bresette is quoted on energy and AI topics; contact details and social media links for EESI are provided.
-
What is a data center?
McKinsey has announced a detailed analysis and outlook on the rapid growth and investment needs of data centers driven by AI workloads.
- $6.7 trillion global investment in data centers is projected by 2030, with 70% driven by AI workloads; AI-ready data centers require new infrastructure including power, cooling, and electrical systems.
- Regional challenges include power supply constraints in the US and Europe, labor shortages, and sustainability demands; opportunities exist for investors, real estate firms, and telecom operators to support data center expansion and clean energy integration.
-
Duke Energy, GE Vernova Strike Major Gas Turbine Deal to Support Explosive Demand Growth
Duke Energy has entered a significant partnership with GE Vernova for the supply of up to 11 advanced 7HA gas turbines to support its integrated resource plans (IRPs).
- Duke Energy aims to meet rising power demand driven by growth in advanced manufacturing, data centers, and population.
- Industry-wide turbine supply shortages are leading utilities like Duke, NextEra, Entergy, and NRG to secure long-term procurement agreements and investment in manufacturing expansion.
- GE Vernova is investing $160 million in its Greenville, South Carolina facility to increase production capacity by 25%, part of a $600 million U.S. manufacturing expansion.
- Duke’s updated resource plans include combined cycle natural gas plants, battery storage, and transmission upgrades to meet 1.5-5% projected annual load growth across its service areas through 2032.
This partnership reflects a strategic focus on dispatchable natural gas generation amid high demand and supply chain constraints, aiming to accelerate clean energy infrastructure deployment.
-
Duke Energy and GE Vernova announce significant arrangement for gas turbines and associated equipment
Duke Energy forms a significant partnership with GE Vernova for natural gas turbines.
- Agreement to procure up to 11 American-produced GE Vernova 7HA gas turbines aligned with Duke Energy’s integrated resource plans.
- Partnership addresses growing energy demands driven by advanced manufacturing, data centers, and population growth.
- GE Vernova’s Greenville, S.C. facility expansion supports historic demand with nearly $600 million investment, including $300 million in Gas Power business.
- Investments include manufacturing process modernization, supplier capacity increase, and creation of over 1,500 U.S. jobs.
-
New gas turbine assets to leverage Duke Energy’s existing infrastructure, lowering costs and speeding market delivery.
This partnership solidifies supply and capacity for Duke Energy to support future energy growth and modernization needs.
-
Duke Energy and GE Vernova announce significant arrangement for gas turbines and associated equipment
Duke Energy and GE Vernova announce a significant partnership for natural gas turbines and associated equipment.
- Partnership includes a plan to procure up to 11 American-produced GE Vernova 7HA gas turbines aligned with Duke Energy’s integrated resource plans.
- Builds on eight previously secured 7HA turbines, aimed at meeting growing energy demand from manufacturing, data centers, and population growth.
- GE Vernova’s Greenville, SC facility expanded with nearly $600 million U.S. manufacturing investment, including $300 million in Gas Power business, creating more than 1,500 jobs.
-
The arrangement utilizes Duke Energy’s existing infrastructure to reduce costs and accelerate deployment.
The agreement highlights tangible progress in Duke Energy’s strategy for reliable energy and economic growth support.
-
The AI infrastructure race hits a political reality check
The article discusses the growing demand for energy due to the rise of AI-driven data centers in the United States. Entergy has initiated a $10 billion deal to provide power for a new Meta AI data center in Louisiana, despite facing backlash from environmental groups. Communities are questioning the sustainability of such projects as they demand significant land, water, and electricity, leading to concerns about environmental impact. The piece also highlights the tension between tech firms and local utilities regarding energy consumption and infrastructure adequacy.
-
Legislation proposes state policies on large data centers
The Minnesota House has introduced legislation to regulate large data centers, which are expected to demand significant resources, including electricity and water. The bill, HF2928, proposed by Rep. Patty Acomb, aims to ensure environmental reviews and establish energy efficiency measures while incorporating consumer protection provisions. It has provisions for water use caps and requires data centers to pay fees for energy conservation programs, reflecting a push for sustainable practices in the tech industry.
-
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Public Utility Commission Sets Hearing on AI Data Centers’ Impacts on Electricity
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced a hearing on April 24, 2025, to evaluate the impact of AI data centers on the state’s electricity infrastructure and economy. PUC Chairperson Stephen DeFrank emphasized the need to protect consumers while facilitating economic growth and technological advancement. The commission will investigate two major data center projects: Constellation Energy’s $1.6 billion restart of its nuclear power plant at Three Mile Island to provide carbon-free electricity for Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services’ $650 million data center purchase near a nuclear plant that will consume energy equivalent to 900,000 homes.
-
Landing a data center is worth the environmental tradeoffs, Illinois towns say
The proposed data center by Equinix, Inc., will occupy 340 acres in Minooka, Illinois, requiring 3 million gallons of water daily and 700 megawatts of electricity. This demand constitutes a significant portion of Minooka’s drinkable water allocation. Mayor Ric Offerman stated that the project could generate substantial tax revenue and jobs for the village. However, concerns persist regarding the environmental impact and the state’s commitment to ending fossil fuel use by 2045. Equinix is negotiating to finalize its plans, aiming to begin construction by 2026 and complete the site by 2034.
-
How utilities can accelerate microgrid deployment
The article discusses the expected surge in US electricity demand, which is forecasted to grow by an average of 3% per year over the next five years. Utilities are adopting a multifaceted approach to meet this demand, including the deployment of microgrids. Duke Energy has implemented a solar-powered microgrid in Hot Springs, NC, to enhance reliability in remote areas. Meanwhile, Xcel Energy plans to establish a network of solar-powered energy storage hubs to improve reliability and support clean energy development.