Indiana Brightfields Webinar Series

Communities in Indiana and around the country are increasingly looking to reactivate their brownfields for clean energy, turning them into “brightfields”. Closed landfills in particular are promising sites for solar and offer communities new opportunities and tax revenue for sites with little to no other reuse options. 

This webinar series, organized by the Indiana Brownfields Program, Kansas State University Technical Assistance to Brownfields, Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute, the Rocky Mountain Institute, and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, will introduce communities to renewable energy as an option for brownfield reuse, discuss permitting and liability concerns, and explore pathways for renewable energy procurement. Each organization offers free, tailored technical assistance to help your community navigate your brightfield project. 

Be sure to bring your site-specific questions. Each webinar will conclude with a 30-minute ‘office hours’ segment, offering participants the opportunity for one-on-one technical assistance. 

Brightfields 101: Introduction to Brightfields | October 1, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET (Includes 30 minutes of Office Hours)

Brownfields and closed landfills can be transformed from idle liabilities into community assets that generate renewable electricity. This session will introduce “brightfields” and explain how they can boost local tax revenue, create jobs, and revive underutilized land. We’ll discuss what site characteristics are ideal for renewable energy and hear from an Indiana community on its journey exploring landfill solar. Participants will learn about the technical assistance available from KSU TAB, Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute, RMI’s Brightfields Accelerator, Indiana Brownfields, and Indiana Department of Environmental Management. 

Brightfields 201: Permitting and Liability | October 22, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET (Includes 30 minutes of Office Hours)

Turning a landfill or brownfield into a solar project is possible in Indiana — but only if you navigate the right permitting steps and manage liability. In this session, IDEM and Indiana Brownfields will cover what the state requires for landfill solar reuse, and how to navigate liability. 

Brightfields 301: Solar Procurement | November 19, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET (Includes 30 minutes of Office Hours)

If your site looks like it could support renewable energy, the next step is determining project structure and finding the right developer. This session will cover brightfield ownership and financing options, and procurement basics. Hear from experts about what makes a site attractive, common pitfalls to avoid, and the current market outlook.