Wind and Solar Projects Bring $1.7 Billion Investment — EDPR Eyes Montpelier Facility

From the Montpelier Redevelopment Commission meeting on July 6, 2026

Warren Brown, Blackford County Economic Development Corporation Director, provided a comprehensive update on wind and solar development in Blackford County. Six total projects are in the pipeline — five are approved and ready to proceed, including two solar projects and three wind projects. The sixth, EDP Renewables' Teays River Wind Farm, was scheduled for the Blackford County Commissioners on July 20.

The total investment across all projects is approximately $1.7 billion. Brown said "just shy of $50 million" in economic development funds will come to Blackford County over 10 years. These funds are separate from property taxes and "can be used for anything that's legally able to be spent."

All companies have a 30% depreciation floor in their contracts, preventing assessed values from dropping to near zero. Most companies have 10-year tax abatements at 75%, paying 25% during the abatement period. After 10 years, full property taxes at the 30% floor apply.

When complete, the projects will produce approximately 1 gigawatt of power — roughly 5% of Indiana's total energy production.

EDPR is interested in building a maintenance and office facility in Montpelier, which would bring direct employment to the city. Brad Neff confirmed the interest, saying "that would be a nice thing for our community."

Brown emphasized the fund could provide something Blackford County has long lacked — matching funds for grants. "A good idea might actually be able to happen because we actually have cash," he said.

Source: Meeting transcript — Montpelier - Redevelopment Meeting - July 06, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.