Spark Alerts: Jan 1 2025

The latest Distributed Generation news, RFPs and program policy updates in Illinois at your fingertips

Author

Julia Wu
January 01, 2025

Note: This is a proof of concept for Spark Alerts, focusing on the Illinois landscape. Please help us improve by sharing your feedback and requests with us!

📰 Market & Development News

Dec 17, 2024: Walmart and Nexamp will develop 31 community solar projects across five states, generating 120+ MW of solar energy. Starting mid-2025, the projects will create 1,500 jobs and save 8,000 residential customers over $2 million yearly. This supports Walmart's 2040 net-zero goals while expanding renewable energy access to underserved communities.

Ogle County

December 22, 2024: Ogle County faces tensions between renewable energy and farmland preservation. A recent solar project by Cenergy Power, initially denied due to agricultural zoning, gained approval after legal threats based on state regulations. The decision highlights conflicts between state energy goals and local land preservation, sparking debate about future development.

Dec 21, 2024: Ogle County Board voted 13-11 to approve a special-use permit for Cenergy Power's 5-megawatt community solar project in Haldane. Initially denied due to agricultural land concerns, the permit was approved after the applicant filed a lawsuit, highlighting tensions between farming and renewable energy interests.

Cumberland County

November 12, 2024: Cumberland County Board has approved Earthrise Energy's 150-megawatt Northwest Solar project. This significant renewable energy addition advances local sustainability goals and carbon reduction efforts, aligning with Earthrise Energy's commitment to expanding clean energy solutions.

Champaign County

Dec 17, 2024: Cambridge, MA, signed the largest city-led virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) to support Prairie Solar, a 135-megawatt solar farm in Illinois. The project will reduce emissions while creating local jobs in Illinois and providing renewable energy certificates to Cambridge. This agreement helps Cambridge work toward its 2050 net-zero emissions goal, with more renewable initiatives planned.

Dec 17, 2024: MN8 Energy will develop the 135MWac Prairie Solar project in Champaign County, Illinois, supporting a virtual power purchase agreement with Cambridge, Massachusetts. The project will generate 113,000 MWh of clean energy annually, with strategic location benefits for emissions reduction compared to Massachusetts-based solar. Operations will begin before 2026.

Marion County

Dec 11, 2024: A 500-acre solar farm with 300,000 panels is under construction northwest of Salem in Marion County. The 128-megawatt facility will power 20,000 homes and create 200 construction jobs over 16-18 months. Property tax revenue will increase from $20,000 to $600,000 annually. Road repairs and damage bonds are in place for construction traffic.

Boone County

Dec 10, 2024: ComEd and Ameresco completed a 3.5 MW community solar project on a former Boone County landfill. The project provides reduced electricity costs to local government and businesses while supporting Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act goals for renewable energy access and environmental sustainability.

Will County

Nov 25, 2024: Will County Board postponed voting on a 3,600-acre solar farm amid community concerns over property impacts and rural preservation, while landowners defended their development rights. State solar laws were cited as the board delayed for further stakeholder discussions.

Dec 5, 2024: TPE and MEI are partnering on a 20 MW community solar portfolio in Will County, Illinois, supporting the state's 100% renewable energy goal. The four projects will serve commercial clients and 1,000 residential customers, generating 30 GWh annually, while providing $100,000 in local charitable donations.

Lake County

Oct 29, 2024: Luminace has acquired four community solar projects in Illinois from Renewable Properties, expanding its renewable portfolio. The projects will provide local communities with clean energy access and economic benefits, reflecting the growing investment in community solar across the US.

📋 New RFP Opportunities

Per the IL Power Agency’s draft 2025 Procurement Plan, the next RFP to meet forecasted capacity requirements is scheduled for Spring 2025.

An Indexed REC RFP was held through the IL Power Agency on December 2 for Ameren, Commonwealth Edison, and MidAmerican Energy.

IL Solar for All reissued an RFP in November under its community-specific Bright Neighborhoods initiative. The RFP was for suppliers in the city of Waukegan and the Carbondale-Marion micropolitan area, including Jackson, Williamson, and Johnson counties. Submissions closed on Nov 4, with winners announced on Dec 2.

📢 Policy & Program Updates

Oct 1, 2024: Smart Solar Billing is set to begin in Illinois on January 1, 2025. Notable changes include that credits from surplus power will now be applied to the supply portion of a customer’s energy bill, rather than the entire bill. Bill credits can also now be rolled over year-over-year and last the installation's lifetime.

Dec 12, 2024: Champaign County proposes zoning changes for Battery Energy Storage Systems, requiring Special Use Permits and safety standards, including NFPA 855 compliance and setbacks. The amendments focus on safe integration with existing solar farms, with a public hearing upcoming.