When major employers speak up about infrastructure constraints, it’s a signal that energy capacity planning needs to move from the background into the spotlight.
At the 2025 BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit, Eli Lilly and Company CEO David Ricks highlighted one of Indiana’s most important economic challenges: the state’s current power supply may be holding back opportunities for growth. His comments weren’t just about one company’s ambitions, but the larger need for change statewide.
A New Benchmark for Computing and Power Demand
Lilly is building what it calls the world’s largest chemistry-focused supercomputer in Indianapolis, powered by more than 1,000 advanced Nvidia GPUs. This computational powerhouse is designed to accelerate drug discovery and AI-driven research within pharmaceutical science, a project with far-reaching implications for healthcare innovation. But, as Ricks shared with summit attendees, one limitation stands out: power availability.
“We’re only constrained by power, by the way… if we want to grow our industrial base, that’s what’s required”
David Ricks
Why Power Capacity Is a Strategic Priority
Demand for electricity is rising faster than supply improvements. With advanced computing, data centers, manufacturing expansions, and more on the horizon, existing infrastructure in Indiana is being pushed to its limits.
So what does this mean for you?
1. Indiana Must Expand Its Power Supply to Compete
For organizations across Indiana, the message is clear: energy capacity is a competitive factor. Businesses that define cutting-edge sectors—pharmaceuticals, AI, manufacturing, healthcare—all depend on reliable, scalable energy, which comes with forward-thinking engineering. Evaluate your current system limitations and forecast your load growth to identify new opportunities to expand capacity and get ahead of the curve.
2. Diverse Generation Sources Will Be Part of the Solution
Expanding capacity isn’t about flipping a single switch. The future of power and energy relies on diversifying your energy sources. It means including battery storage, gas generation, and advanced nuclear projects like First American Nuclear’s small modular reactors will be part of meeting near-term and long-term needs.
3. Infrastructure Upgrades Must Keep Pace With Demand
It’s not just generation that matters—distribution and transmission systems must be ready to carry growing loads and connect new facilities efficiently. This means evaluating your lines and substations to intentionally incorporate smart grid technologies and better plan, monitor, and control distribution. For municipalities and utilities alike, failing to upgrade infrastructure can lead to bottlenecks, costly emergency fixes, and risks that deter future investment.
How Alpha Engineering Can Help Indiana Prepare
For municipalities, utilities, and businesses across the state, preparing for this demand means thoughtful engineering and proactive planning. That’s where Alpha Engineering, Inc. (AEI) steps in with energy system assessments, modernization strategies, CAD mapping and documentation, and construction management to handle your system upgrades from start to finish.
As Indiana positions itself for economic growth and technological leadership, partners like AEI help ensure energy systems are more than an afterthought. Get connected with engineering experts today.