Illinois

Clean energy

Illinois proves states have a lot of power to advance clean energy

The state is working on its third major climate bill in the last decade, after the past two propelled solar deployment and clean jobs.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 7 March 2025
Transmission

After groundbreaking bills on jobs and solar, Illinois tackles the grid

State lawmakers are pushing for more grid-enhancing tech, gigawatts of new energy storage, and the creation of a virtual power plant program.

By Kari Lydersen . 3 March 2025
Electric vehicles

Electric school buses could help power Illinois’ grid

ComEd is preparing a vehicle-to-grid pilot program in which school districts will sell power to the grid by discharging parked electric school bus batteries.

By Kari Lydersen . 26 February 2025
Electric vehicles

Illinois’ largest utility unveils $100M to spur EV adoption

ComEd rolled out the new incentives, which support fleet purchases and charging infrastructure upgrades, in the run-up to the Chicago Auto Show.

By Audrey Henderson . 11 February 2025
Transmission

Illinois considers state incentives for transmission projects

Renewable energy credits, which have fueled the state’s solar boom, could now help finance new merchant transmission lines.

By Kari Lydersen . 22 January 2025
Carbon-free buildings

In Chicago, all city buildings now use 100 percent clean power

Chicago is one of several U.S. cities that are taking advantage of their bulk-buying power to spur new carbon-free energy development and meet climate targets.

By Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco . 10 January 2025
ENN

Department of Energy funding to boost community-led geothermal projects

Chicago and Boston nonprofits focused on an equitable transition from fossil fuels are among the five recipients.

By Audrey Henderson . 20 December 2024
ENN

Great Lakes ports will get a share of U.S. EPA funding to move shipping off fossil fuels

The U.S. EPA recently announced funding for clean energy and electrification projects at shipping ports in Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 8 November 2024
Solar

This farmer was skeptical about solar — until he began grazing sheep

Illinois farmer Trent Gerlach had misgivings about solar panels taking up cropland, but he saw a chance to try agrivoltaics, a practice catching on around the US.

By Kari Lydersen . 15 October 2024
ENN

Illinois program’s ‘wraparound’ approach helps formerly incarcerated people land solar industry jobs

The Renewing Sovereignty Project, which provides social and financial support for participants leaving the justice system, had a 100% placement rate in its first year.

By Audrey Henderson . 1 October 2024