Industrial, Solar  -  August 9, 2022

Chicago to Purchase Renewable Energy Starting in 2025

Chicago commits to purchase renewable energy for all City facilities and operations by 2025.

 The City signed an energy supply agreement with an initial five-year term with Constellation beginning in January 2023. As part of the agreement, beginning in 2025, the City will partially source its large energy uses such as the airports, Harold Washington Library Center, and Jardine Water Purification Plant with renewable energy from a new solar generation installation currently being developed by Swift Current Energy in downstate Sangamon and Morgan counties.  

Construction of the solar project is expected to start before the end of 2022. The City will also procure Renewable Energy Credits from other sources for its remaining power uses, such as small and medium-sized buildings and streetlights.  

Swift Current Energy will own and operate Double Black Diamond Solar, which at 593 MW is expected to be one of the largest solar projects in Illinois to date.

The project will also be a source of renewable energy to other major organizations in Illinois.

“I am incredibly proud to advance this commitment to transitioning all city operations to 100 percent renewable energy by 2025,” said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot in a statement. “The signing of this agreement demonstrates that the City of Chicago is leading by example and driving high-impact climate action, building the clean energy workforce of the future, and equitably distributing meaningful benefits to foster the local clean energy economy for all.”  

The 2022 Chicago Climate Action Plan (CAP) details an interim 62% reduction in GG emissions by 2040. By procuring solar energy for city operations, Chicago is expected to reduce its carbon footprint by more than 290,000 metric tons each year. 

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