Illinois Aims For 100% Clean Energy By 2050

• Illinois has passed SB 2408 legislation, adopting it as Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
• It means the US state will aim for 40% renewable energy by 2030, 50% by 2040 and 100% clean energy by 2050
• SEIA believes it would lead to the creation of around 10 GW of new utility scale, rooftop and community solar capacity

The US State of Illinois has officially adopted Senate Bill 2408 (SB 2408), firmly setting itself on path to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050, after Governor JB Pritzker signed the legislation into law calling it Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.

In the interim, the state will aim for 40% renewable energy by 2030, and 50% by 2040.

Welcoming the step by Illinois, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) believes the 40% renewable energy goal will lead to the construction of more than 4 GW of new wind, 4 GW new utility scale solar, along with 5.8 GW of new rooftop and community solar in the state.

The Illinois Power Agency is to procure close to 2.5 million new renewable energy credits (REC) by June 2022, and 3.8 million new RECs annually from 2022 to 2030. This would support 25.85% of utility scale solar, 1.65% brownfield solar, and 27.5% of community, rooftop and residential solar through an adjustable block program.

SEIA claims the bill includes the strongest labor provisions in the nation while guaranteeing job creation in the space of renewables.

While coal, oil and gas generation capacity is to be phased out, nuclear power stays in the state's clean energy plans.

"Without this new law, nuclear plants would close and consumers would face higher electricity rates in order to buy carbon-based power from out of state," said State Representative David Welter (R-Morris).

Among others, following are some of the major highlights of the act:

1. Illinois Power Agency (IPA) Act has been changed to double the state's investment in renewable energy.
2. All utility-scale wind and solar power projects will be built with project labor agreements.
3. The state has also cleared a coal to solar program to support transition of coal power plants to renewable energy facilities.
4. State Electricity company Ameren will establish up to 2 utility scale solar pilot projects.
5. Schools will be able to lease property for over 25 years to support renewable energy projects.