Empowering the Future: Indiana’s Commitment to Clean Energy on the First International Day of Clean Energy
January 26th, 2024 marks the first International Day of Clean Energy. This day was declared by the General Assembly to raise awareness and a call to action for clean energy to benefit the people and the planet. This day also happens to be the founding date of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which is a global intergovernmental agency that was established in 2009. IRENA supports countries in energy transitions and a program for international cooperation.
Fossil Fuels: The Downfall of the Planet
Energy has been a problem for our planet for years. Protecting the planet is a giant factor to keep in mind when we use energy products that can impact our planet. There are different types of energy resources such as wind, water, geothermal, bioenergy, solar, and nuclear. All of these can help the world become a safer and cleaner planet moving forward.
Countries without clean energy can suffer in areas such as healthcare, economic opportunities, education, etc. Most countries still rely heavily on fossil fuels for activities in their everyday lives. The world is not on track to reach Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7). This means access to sustainable, affordable, and reliable clean energy for all by 2030.
Clean Energy in Indiana
Indiana has a mass amount of renewable energy sources that are currently and have been implemented. The most notable ones are the wind turbines located across central Indiana. Indiana is also home to solar, biomass, and hydroelectric facilities across the state to help generate clean energy. Southwestern Indiana has the state’s best solar energy resources; however, solar farms can be found statewide.
Biomass is another huge source of clean energy for the state of Indiana. Specifically, Indiana has two wood pellet plants that use woody biomass to manufacture almost 7,000 tons of pellets per year. This can be used for space heating and electricity generation. Hydroelectric facilities are another source of clean energy for Indiana. The largest facility can be found on the Ohio River.
Indiana is home to the largest corn crop production in the United States. With that, the state uses corn to make biofuels. Indiana has 14 fuel ethanol plants. These plants can produce around 1.3 billion gallons of ethanol fuel per year.
Moving Forward: Hoosiers and The Center
Indiana has a close relationship with clean and renewable energy. This relationship is continuing to grow as the years progress. As the planet is trying to fight against the harmful pollution that fossil fuels give off, we, as humans, need to do our part to switch to as many renewable, clean energy sources as we can to help make the planet a safer place for the future.
The International Center plays a pivotal role in fostering global connections and collaboration in various domains. By engaging with global leaders and experts through The International Center’s platform, Indiana can leverage international expertise, technologies, and best practices to enhance its commitment to clean energy solutions. This interconnected approach not only contributes to the state’s environmental goals but also strengthens its position as a key player in the global transition towards a more sustainable and cleaner energy future.
By: Carley Jobe, Marketing & Communications Intern
Sources:
- https://nomadcapitalist.com/global-citizen/what-is-the-cleanest-country-in-the-world/#title_0
- https://www.un.org/en/observances/clean-energy-day
- https://www.energy.gov/clean-energy
- https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=IN#:~:text=Today%2C%20wind%20turbines%20can%20be,3%2C450%20megawatts%20of%20wind%20capacity.&text=Indiana’s%20solar%2C%20biomass%2C%20and%20hydroelectric,are%20used%20to%20generate%20electricity.
