Yet another report has affirmed Illinois’ status as a national clean energy leader and provided more proof that investments in clean energy industries are creating long-term savings for consumers.
Over the last decade, Illinois ranks in the top 15 states for growth in technologies including solar and clean energy storage, and within the top 10 for electric vehicle adoption and wind generation, according to the latest Renewables on the Rise report from Environment America.
All of these factors combined to rank Illinois No. 1 in the nation for growth in energy savings through efficiency measures.
“This report reinforces what we already know: Solar and other forms of clean energy in Illinois are working together to reduce costs, protect our environment, and serve as a national model for other states to follow,” said Lesley McCain, Executive Director of the Illinois Solar Energy & Storage Association.
State legislation such as the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) unlocked the full potential of the Illinois solar energy industry, making clean energy more affordable and accessible than ever to families, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and public institutions.
One of CEJA’s most important investments was the expansion of several state programs that reduce barriers to clean energy access. The Illinois Solar for All program in particular has helped low-income families and individuals in environmental justice communities join the clean energy revolution, while Illinois Shines has helped tens of thousands of residents access community solar when cannot afford or physically install a residential solar array.
“Illinois is setting the standard for what it means to embark on a successful path to 100% clean energy,” said Carlo Cavallaro, Midwest Regional Director of the Coalition for Community Solar Access. “We are fortunate to have forward-looking leaders who demonstrate a sustained commitment to clean energy through FEJA, CEJA, and newly proposed legislation HB 5856/SB 3959.”
According to the report, Illinois has approximately 0.1 GW of clean energy storage installed. That is good enough to rank Illinois 11th in battery storage capacity in the nation, but a recent study found that Illinois will need to build at least 8.5 GW of additional clean energy storage within the next few years to meet future energy needs for residents and businesses. Pending legislation, HB5856/SB3959, would help Illinois achieve that goal.
“If our leaders in Springfield continue to be proactive supporters of clean energy through bills such as HB5856/SB3959, I see no reason that Illinois cannot reach No. 1 in even more categories in future Renewables on the Rise reports,” McCain said. “We are on the right track, and the future is looking bright!”
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