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Indiana's energy outlook is of importance to us all. In this issue, we feature some recent IGS developments and publications regarding our energy future.

American Electric Power's Rockport Power Generating Facility on the Ohio River near Rockport, IN. Click to link to the 2007 Energy Report.
A new report by the Indiana Geological Survey and Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs assesses Indiana's energy consumption and production by sector and fuel type, drawing comparisons between the state and the rest of the U.S. The Indiana Energy Report 2007 is intended as a resource for decision makers and other citizens concerned with Indiana's energy needs and the impact of its energy-related activities.

"The state continues to grow, and our energy needs are going to continue to grow," said John A. Rupp, IGS assistant director for research. "This report is an important source of impartial information describing where we are now in terms of our energy sector."

Among the findings of the report:
  • Fossil fuels are the predominant energy sources for Indiana. Coal provides fuel for more than 50 percent of all energy consumed in Indiana and about 95 percent of the energy for the generation of electricity. Petroleum accounts for 30 percent of all energy used in the state and natural gas an additional 18 percent. Less than 2 percent comes from biomass and hydroelectric power.
  • Electrical generation in Indiana uses about 70 million tons of coal a year, half of which comes from Indiana's mines.
  • Although it still represents only a small percentage of Indiana's energy consumption, production of biofuel liquids (ethanol and biodiesel) in the state has grown tremendously in recent years, increasing from 22.9 million gallons per year in 1996 to 92.2 million gallons in 2005.
  • The greatest share of energy consumption in Indiana belongs to the transportation sector, which accounts for 37 percent of total dollars spent on energy. Industrial use accounts for 29 percent, residential use accounts for 22 percent, and commercial use accounts for 12 percent.
The Web site also provides information about coal, natural gas, petroleum liquids, biofuel liquids, and other renewable energy, in addition to broader information about energy use, electricity generation, and demographic, economic, and climatic conditions in the state. A print version may also be downloaded from the Web site free of charge.
Thumbnail image showing IGS Open File Study 07-01. Click to link to the IGS Bookstore.
New Publications
Three map posters examining the fuel and energy industries in Indiana were recently published by the IGS in association with the Indiana Center for Coal Technology Research at Purdue University. These maps should prove useful to city planners, electric power companies, coal companies, natural gas companies, geologic consultants, investment companies, government agencies, and environmentalists, as well as to private individuals.

Coal Supply and Demand in Indiana, Miscellaneous Map 72, by A. Drobniak, M. Mastalerz, and K. Shaffer, includes a geologic map (scale 1:500,000) showing locations of active and abandoned coal mines and coal-fired electric power plants along with information about their scrubber systems. Railroads, highways, and waterways are also shown. Accompanying information includes institutions and industries that burn coal, coal seam stratigraphy, coal reserves, production, and distribution. Information about active coal mines, electric power plants, and the amounts of coal used by each facility are also given in detailed tables on this large 41" by 54" poster; cost is $25.00.

Coal, Electricity, and Gas Transportation Systems in Indiana, Open-File Study 06-03, by A. Drobniak, M. Mastalerz, and K. Shaffer, is a 42" by 55" poster with a map (scale 1:500,000) of Indiana showing electric power plants, electric transmission lines, and natural gas pipelines and a second map (scale 1:325,000) showing the bedrock geology of southwestern Indiana with locations of all active and abandoned coal mines in the state. Tables showing active coal mines and electric power plants complement the images; cost is $25.00.

Major Point Sources of CO2 Emissions and Conceptual Geological Sequestration Strategies in Indiana, Open-File Study 07-01, by A. Drobniak, K. Shaffer, J. A. Rupp, and M. Mastalerz, is a poster of five maps and data related to carbon dioxide emissions in the state. A large map (scale 1:600,000) of Indiana shows electric power lines and locations of facilities producing carbon dioxide, including coal- and natural-gas-burning utilities, institutions and industrial plants, and one wood- burning industrial plant. Additional smaller maps explain options for the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide. Data on carbon dioxide emissions by facility are also shown on this 36" x 51" poster; cost is $20.00.
IGS Geologists Brian Keith and Todd Thompson discuss paleogeography at a limestone quarry near Bloomington.
Earth Science Outreach
One of the ways that the IGS informs the general public about geology is through various adult education classes. Last fall, IGS geologists Brian Keith and Todd Thompson gave a noncredit class through Indiana University Bloomington Continuing Studies called "What's in Your Backyard?" about the geology of Monroe County. Participants learned how a geologic map is made and how to identify common rock units in the area, and examined rock cores to learn about stratigraphy. A Saturday field trip included stops at three quarries, a road cut, and Karst Park. Brian and Todd will be offering a similar class this coming fall that will focus on limestone. The class has not yet been posted on the Continuing Studies Web site, but keep an eye out and check the site later in the summer for information about how to sign up.

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