Illinois Clean Energy Guide
Illinois passed the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) requiring 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045. The state combines strong wind resources with growing solar development and a commitment to equitable clean energy transition.
Source: American Clean Power Association
Last updated: January 30, 2026
Grid Operators: MISO & PJM
Illinois is split between two grid operators: Northern Illinois (including Chicago) is in PJM, while most of the state is in MISO, creating distinct market dynamics.
Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
The 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) is one of the most comprehensive state clean energy laws in the nation. It mandates 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045, with coal plants closing by 2030 and gas plants by 2045. The law commits over $700 million annually to clean energy programs.
Key CEJA Provisions
- Coal Phase-Out: All coal plants closed by 2030
- Gas Phase-Out: All gas plants closed by 2045
- Solar Target: 5,000 MW of new solar by 2030
- Energy Equity: 40% of program benefits to equity-eligible communities
- Workforce: Major investments in clean energy job training
Wind Energy Leadership
Illinois is one of the nation's top wind energy producers, with strong resources across the northern and central regions. Wind farms have become common in agricultural areas, where turbines generate lease revenue for farmers alongside row crop production.
Major Wind Projects
- McLean County: One of the largest concentrations of wind capacity nationally
- Rail Splitter Wind Farm: 100+ MW in Tazewell and Logan counties
- Twin Groves Wind Farm: Major installation in McLean County
- Lincoln Land Wind: 302 MW in Morgan County
Solar Development
Solar is growing rapidly in Illinois through both utility-scale projects and distributed generation. The Adjustable Block Program provides incentives for solar installations, while CEJA has accelerated development to meet 2030 targets.
Community Solar
Illinois has one of the largest community solar programs in the nation, enabling renters and homeowners without suitable roofs to access solar benefits through subscriptions. The program has driven significant development across the state.
Key Developers Active in Illinois
- Invenergy: Major wind and solar developer headquartered in Chicago
- Apex Clean Energy: Wind and solar development
- Nexamp: Community solar developer
- Sol Systems: Solar development across the state
- Swift Current Energy: Utility-scale solar developer
Challenges & Outlook
Illinois faces challenges including interconnection queue backlogs in both MISO and PJM, local opposition to some solar and wind projects, and the complexity of implementing CEJA's ambitious programs. Transmission constraints limit the ability to move clean energy within and out of the state.
Despite these challenges, Illinois's comprehensive clean energy law, strong wind and solar resources, and committed policy framework position it for continued leadership. The state's focus on equity and job creation makes CEJA a model for other states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Illinois' clean energy goals?
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) requires 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045, with coal plant closures by 2030 and gas plant closures by 2045. Illinois has committed $700+ million annually to clean energy programs.
How is utility-scale solar developing in Illinois?
Illinois has significant utility-scale solar potential with competitive project economics in the MISO and PJM regions. The state's Adjustable Block Program provides incentives for solar development, and large projects are being built across central and southern Illinois.
What wind resources does Illinois have?
Illinois has excellent wind resources, particularly in the northern and central regions. The state is one of the top wind producers nationally, with significant capacity in McLean County and other farming areas where wind and agriculture coexist.
What is the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act?
CEJA, passed in 2021, is landmark legislation requiring 100% clean energy by 2045 while prioritizing environmental justice and workforce development. It includes massive investments in solar, wind, storage, and equity programs.