Illinois
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Solar
Interconnection bottleneck threatens community solar success in Illinois
One of the state’s largest utilities, Ameren, takes years to approve projects. That’s creating headaches for developers racing to use expiring federal tax credits.By Kari Lydersen .
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Energy markets
Why states are threatening to leave PJM — and why they probably won’t
The grid operator’s high power prices and long interconnection queue have Democratic and Republican governors eyeing an exit, but analysts warn it could backfire.By Kathryn Krawczyk .
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Virtual power plants
Virtual power plants may soon provide more electricity to Illinois’ grid
The state has tons of solar, thanks to past laws. Now, legislators are weighing incentives for home batteries that can give the grid clean power in times of need.By Kari Lydersen .
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Solar
Illinois' push to train workers for solar industry jobs is paying off
A state-funded hub for clean energy workforce development is creating employment and business opportunities in the surrounding community.By Kari Lydersen .
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Solar
Illinois farmers find that sheep and solar arrays go well together
The agrivoltaics practice of raising sheep under solar panels is a win-win for Illinois farmers — but first the market for lamb meat needs to grow.By Kari Lydersen .
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Electric vehicles
Can EV ambassadors help Chicago drivers go electric?
Aiming to help Illinois get 1 million EVs on the road by 2030, the state’s largest utility is tapping community leaders to convince neighbors to ditch gas cars.By Kari Lydersen .
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Energy storage
An Illinois bill seeking to supercharge battery storage failed. Now what?
Supporters hoped the legislation would accelerate the state’s clean energy transition, but it stalled amid opposition from unions, farmers, and fossil-fuel groups.By Kari Lydersen .
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Clean industry
This startup turns steel and aluminum waste into usable metals
Chicago-area Sun Metalon removes gunk and grime from metal slivers normally thrown away, helping to reduce emissions from aluminum and steel production.By Kari Lydersen .
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Energy efficiency
Chicago program to light up dark streets is gateway to energy efficiency
MECRO outfits porches with LED lights that automatically turn on at dusk, helping residents feel safer — and showing them how to start lowering their energy bills.By Audrey Henderson .
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Clean energy jobs
From EVs to HVAC, clean energy means jobs in Central Illinois
Decatur has been losing factory jobs for years. A clean energy workforce hub promises renewal — and provides training for students from disenfranchised communities.By Kari Lydersen .
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