Green Industries Initiative

Serendipitous timing or well-planned launch, the Energy Systems Network (ESN) launched today at a press conference attended by Governor Daniels. The ESN is an economic development initiative for the clean-technology sector. ESN is the latest economic development initiative under the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, which also houses Conexus (the manufacturing/logistics initiative) and BioCrossroads (life sciences). The dialogue on clean energy received a boost this week with the introduction of the Waxman-Markey comprehensive energy legislation. Playing off the theme that carbon-capture legislation is coming, even as early as this session, Jim Rogers, Duke Energy President and CEO, highlighted the need for clusters addressing energy technology by saying that groups like the ESN need to connect and convene in order to solve the energy issues facing not only our generation, but generations to come. Highlighting his Princeton, Ind., roots and his grandson at Purdue, Mr. Rogers stated that Indiana has the configuration of technology companies, know-how and passion to turn energy vision to reality. Committing $1M in funds from Duke over three years, Duke is a partner, with IPL and others, in one of the first ESN initiatives announced, the power plug-in initiative, to create a vehicle system connected to the smart grid. Allison Transmission, Cummins and EnerDel lead the contributors to a Hoosier heavy hybrid program for medium and heavy duty trucks. Governor Daniels reminded the audience that there are not enough BTUs from these sources to replace coal, so don't think Indiana is not going to be a player in the energy economy, but that these technologies are an important supplement and a driver of jobs and the economy in Indiana. An all-star board including Mr. Rogers, Mike Hudson of I-Power, President Dr. Cordova of Purdue, Charles Gassenheimer of EnerOne and others joined the Governor and Mr. Rogers at the event. Joe Loughrey, formerly of Cummins, announced that he will chair the ESN.