Transforming Illinois' Energy Landscape
The Illinois Coal to Solar and Energy Storage Act of 2020 (HB 5663 & SB 3848) signifies a major transition in Illinois' approach to energy, aiming to convert existing coal plant sites into hubs for renewable energy technologies.
Table: Act Overview
Feature | Detail |
Total Investment | Over $450 million |
Solar Capacity | 300 MW |
Storage Capacity | 150 MW |
Jobs Creation | 2,200+ construction jobs |
Tax Revenue Impact | Significant boost to local economies |
Implementation and Development
The Act envisions the installation of renewable infrastructure at repurposed or existing coal power plant sites, promising to usher in a new era of sustainable energy production.
Strategy and Timeline
Renewable Infrastructure Location: At sites of repurposed or existing coal power plants.
Timeline for Deployment: From as early as 2022/2023 to no later than 2025.
Contractual Agreements: 15-year contracts awarded for renewable energy credits from emission-free generation at legacy plants.
Investment Mechanism: Pay-for-delivery program, ensuring commercial viability before payment.
Economic and Community Impact
This Act brings not only a cleaner energy future but also significant economic benefits and employment opportunities.
Table: Economic and Job Creation Impact
Year | Economic Output | Job Creation |
2022 | $75 million | 500 jobs |
2023 | $100 million | 700 jobs |
2024 | $125 million | 1,000 jobs |
Bullet Points: Community Benefits
Job Creation: Generating over 2,200 construction jobs.
Economic Boost: Contributing over $300 million to Illinois' economy from 2022 to 2025.
Community Revitalization: Reinvestment in downstate plant communities, supporting the local tax base.
Long-term Vision and Sustainability - The Coal to Solar Act
The Act not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for a sustainable future in energy production.
Bullet Points: Long-term Goals
Sustainable Infrastructure: Building combined utility-scale solar and battery energy storage sites.
Responsible Transition: Facilitating an orderly retirement process for coal plants, ensuring community stability.
Continued Economic Development: Projected investments of over $550 million to build the Coal to Solar & Energy Storage Act portfolio in Illinois.
Table: Planned Energy Projects
Site | Solar (MW) | Storage (MW) |
Baldwin | 68 | 9 |
Coffeen | 44 | 6 |
Duck Creek | 20 | 3 |
Hennepin | 50 | 6 |
Kincaid | 60 | 8 |
Newton | 52 | 7 |
Edwards | - | 37 |
Havana | - | 37 |
EEI/Joppa | - | 37 |
These projects not only support Illinois' clean energy goals but also ensure a responsible transition for the energy workforce and local communities.
This infographic visualizes the economic and job creation impact of the Illinois Coal to Solar and Energy Storage Act of 2020. The Coal to Solar