BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Hoosier Energy expects to retire its coal-fired Merom Generating Station in Sullivan, Indiana in 2023 as part of a new long-range resource plan.
Hoosier Energy announced the plan Tuesday saying it is designed to provide its 18 member cooperatives with reliable, affordable and environmental sustainable energy while saving members and estimated $700 million over the next two decades.
Hoosier Energy expects to retire its coal-fired generating station in 2023, and transition to a more diverse generation mix that includes a combination of low-cost wind, solar, natural gas and storage. This plan provides a foundation for supply cost stability and predictability while reducing the company’s carbon footprint by nearly 80%, according to a press release.
Approximately 185 cooperative employees currently support operations of the 1,070-megawatt Merom Station.
“We sincerely value our dedicated employees and will help those impacted during this transition by working with the IBEW to offer assistance such as retraining, reassignment and professional outplacement, along with retirement options, Hoosier Energy president and CEO Donna Walker said.
There are several possibilities regarding the future of the site.
Hoosier Energy will work with state and local economic development officials to market portions of the Merom property for industrial development. The company will also consider renewable energy generation at the location or pursue a sale of the plant.
