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End of an era

  • Indianapolis Power & Light's Harding Street station.

    Indianapolis Power & Light's Harding Street station will soon shut down its last coal-powered turbine, for conversion to natural-gas-generated electricity.

  • The south-side plant along the banks of the White River went online in 1931. - Photos by Eric Learned

    The south-side plant along the banks of the White River went online in 1931.

  • In November, the plant converted its two smaller turbines, which each generate about 105 megawatts, to natural gas. - Photos by Eric Learned

    In November, the plant converted its two smaller turbines, which each generate about 105 megawatts, to natural gas.

  • The control room features a mixture of modern computer gear and equipment dating back decades. - Photos by Eric Learned

    The control room features a mixture of modern computer gear and equipment dating back decades.

  • The last active coal unit will go offline for about eight weeks, for its natural-gas conversion. - Photos by Eric Learned

    The last active coal unit will go offline for about eight weeks, for its natural-gas conversion.

  • The Indiana coal industry employs more than 26,000 people. - Photos by Eric Learned

    The Indiana coal industry employs more than 26,000 people.

  • In 2010, Indiana had 26 active coal-burning power plants. By the end of this year, the state will have just 13. - Photos by Eric Learned

    In 2010, Indiana had 26 active coal-burning power plants. By the end of this year, the state will have just 13.

  • U.S. coal production last year was 900 million tons, about 10 percent lower than a year earlier and the lowest level since 1986.

  • The coal piles are nearly depleted

    The coal piles are nearly depleted