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Tracking Illinois’ Path to 100% Clean Energy
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) mandated a carbon-free grid by 2050. IllinoisEnergy.org is your independent dashboard tracking the gigawatts, the legislation, and the localized infrastructure projects powering our future.
15.2%
Current Renewable Energy Grid Mix
(Target: 40% by 2030)
5,665 MW
Total Energized Solar Capacity in IL
5,259 MW
New Solar Capacity Under Construction
The Grid Today
While Illinois missed its early renewable energy targets, the state remains a low-carbon leader thanks to its massive nuclear fleet. However, solar power is currently experiencing explosive, exponential growth across the state. Explore our deep dives into how power is generated in Illinois today.
Wind vs. Solar: Which Renewable is Winning the Illinois Grid?
Compare wind vs solar power in Illinois and see which renewable is leading the state’s grid transformation and clean energy future.
The Nuclear Backbone: Why 54% of Our Power is Already Zero-Carbon
Learn how Illinois nuclear power provides 54% zero-carbon electricity and supports grid reliability alongside wind and solar energy.
How Distributed Generation (DG) is Changing Local Power Grids
Discover how distributed generation in Illinois is reshaping local power grids through rooftop solar, storage, and smarter energy systems.
THE PIPELINE (PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
The 5.2 Gigawatt Boom: What is Building in Your County? The landscape of Illinois is changing. With over 5,259 megawatts of solar power planned or actively under construction, the state is undergoing an infrastructure renaissance. Of that incoming power, over 64% belongs to massive utility-scale projects. Explore our interactive reports on the largest sites currently breaking ground.
Brownfield Reclamation: Lockport East & West (Will County)
Explore how the Lockport brownfield solar project transformed a 37-acre former oil refinery in Will County into an 8.6 MW clean energy asset.
Agrivoltaics in Action: The Green River Solar Project (Henry County)
See how the Green River agrivoltaics project in Henry County combines 6.5 MW of solar power with 300,000 lbs of crops and sheep grazing.
Utility-Scale Giants: Inside the Prairie Solar Project (Champaign County)
Explore the 183 MW Prairie Solar Project in Champaign County, an 800-acre utility-scale installation driving Illinois’ clean energy growth.
Community Solar: The County Line & Bemes Road Expansions.
Learn how the County Line and Bemes Road expansions bring over 9 MW of community solar to Will County residents through Luminace.
THE FUTURE OF THE GRID (PROPOSED MEGA-VENTURES)
From Coal to Clean: The Next Generation of IL Power To hit the 2050 zero-emission mandates, developers are looking to the past. The most ambitious proposed projects in Illinois involve repurposing legacy fossil-fuel infrastructure and reclaimed mine lands into renewable powerhouses.
The Sunflower Projects: Revitalizing Southern Illinois Coal Mines
Discover how the Sunflower Projects are transforming reclaimed coal mines in Southern Illinois into 750+ MW of solar and battery storage.
The CPV Prairie Dock Solar Expansion (Livingston County)
Track the proposed 300 MW CPV Prairie Dock Solar Expansion in Livingston County, a 1,600-acre utility-scale project in permitting.
The $450 Million CPV Paxton Solar Investment (Ford County)
Explore the $450M CPV Paxton Solar project in Ford County and what the proposed 200 MW installation could mean for the local economy by 2029.
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Plugging Into the Sun: How SB3104 Brings Solar to Illinois Renters
A legislative push in Springfield proposes a shift in how residents access renewable energy. State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Daniel Didech recently introduced…
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Rewiring the Prairie State: How the CRGA Act Triggers a 3GW Energy Storage Revolution
On January 8, 2026, Illinois fundamentally shifted its utility landscape. The state enacted the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), also known as Senate…
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Regulatory Landscape
Navigating the rules for batteries and grid tech is like being lost in a maze. It’s a challenge for anyone wanting a cleaner grid. The…
THE CEJA ACCOUNTABILITY TRACKER
Are We on Track to Hit Our Climate Goals? In 2021, Illinois passed the most sweeping clean energy legislation in the Midwest. We track the taxpayer dollars, the renewable portfolio standards (RPS), and the grid interconnect queues to see if lawmakers and utility providers are keeping their promises to ratepayers.
2026 CEJA Progress Report: Where is the Grant Money Going?
Track where 2026 CEJA grant funding is going across Illinois, from workforce hubs and contractor programs to community solar and transition grants.
The Interconnection Queue: Why So Many Approved Solar Projects are Stalled
Learn why many approved Illinois solar projects are stalled in the interconnection queue and how MISO and PJM reforms aim to clear the backlog.
Job Creation: Tracking the Growth of the IL Green Collar Workforce
Track the growth of the Illinois green collar workforce and see how CEJA training hubs are expanding clean energy jobs statewide.