By Andi Anderson
The 2026 Indiana Land Use Summit will focus on new and innovative approaches to land use planning, especially in the fields of renewable energy and agrivoltaics. The event will highlight Purdue University’s research and extension efforts in developing data-driven and community-focused solutions across Indiana.
A key feature of the summit will be sessions led by the Indiana Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (IN R-STEP) program.
These sessions will help participants understand the latest tools, resources, and research findings needed for planning large-scale renewable energy projects such as solar power systems. The aim is to balance energy needs with responsible land use.
Another important part of the summit will be the Midwest Agrivoltaics for Resilient Communities (MARC) initiative. This initiative studies ways to combine agriculture and solar energy production on the same land.
Experts will share insights on agrivoltaic system design, results from focus group discussions, and research on how these systems can improve community resilience. The sessions will also explain how solar infrastructure can support farming while contributing to microgrid development and energy security.
Participants will have the opportunity to attend breakout sessions, learn from research updates, and take part in discussions about real-world challenges. One of the highlights of the event will be a tour of the Agrivoltaics Research Platform at Purdue University’s Agronomy Center for Research and Education (ACRE). This will allow attendees to see practical examples of how agrivoltaics works.
The summit will be held at the Beck Agricultural Center, located at 4550 US 52 West, West Lafayette, Indiana. It aims to provide practical strategies and clear guidance for farmers, planners, and community leaders to make informed decisions about land use.
Purdue University is committed to providing an inclusive environment and does not allow discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, or other personal factors.
For more information, interested individuals can contact Tamara Ogle at 317-523-8804 or email togle@purdue.edu.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Indiana, Education, Energy