Five years after the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois is not just talking the talk; it’s walking the walk in the green energy sector. The evidence is popping up all over the state, from the iconic Wrigley Field on Chicago’s North Side to Bolingbrook, a suburb that’s becoming a hub for clean energy innovation. In June, the Chicago Cubs struck an agreement with Invenergy, a major player in the clean energy game, naming them the “Official Solar Provider” of the team and the stadium. This partnership is more than just a marketing gimmick; it signals a tangible shift towards renewable energy in high-profile venues.
Just a month later, Invenergy broke ground on a $30 million Center of Excellence, a clean energy training and manufacturing facility in Bolingbrook. This facility is a critical step in equipping the workforce of the future and is indicative of Invenergy’s commitment to its home state. The company has successfully developed over 31,000 megawatts of projects globally, including wind, solar, and advanced energy storage. As Steve Dowdy, Invenergy’s Executive Vice President, aptly put it, the COE will provide the necessary resources to accelerate a cleaner, more reliable grid. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating jobs and fostering a skilled workforce that can meet the growing demand for clean energy solutions.
Illinois is becoming a magnet for clean energy firms, and Invenergy is not alone in its expansion. Nexamp, a national community solar provider, announced Chicago as its second national headquarters, planning to add 50 new jobs over the next two years. With over $2 billion in planned investments in the state, Nexamp is also launching a fellowship program aimed at underserved communities, ensuring that the benefits of the green energy economy are shared broadly. CEO Zaid Ashai emphasizes that Illinois is not merely an attractive market; it’s a state that aligns with their vision of a cleaner, more equitable energy future.
October 2023 was a busy month for clean energy initiatives in Illinois. The Chicagoland Climate Investment Alliance was unveiled, aiming to bring together various stakeholders to drive climate investment. Additionally, the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub, part of a $7 billion federal investment. This hub is poised to create thousands of jobs and focuses on decarbonization across sectors like steel production and sustainable aviation fuels. Chicago-based LanzaJet is also making waves with its recent investment and the opening of its first commercial-scale ethanol-to-SAF plant, further solidifying Illinois as a leader in innovative energy solutions.
Governor Pritzker has made it clear that the state’s commitment to clean energy is about more than just policy; it’s about creating a collaborative, economically sound environment for growth. As new projects and partnerships emerge, Illinois is not just keeping pace with the green energy revolution; it’s setting the pace. The developments we’re witnessing today are laying the groundwork for a robust clean energy economy that could serve as a model for other states. The momentum is undeniable, and it’s clear that Illinois is at the forefront of a transformative movement in energy.
