(Energy News Network) Illinois’ largest solar farm is being built thanks to buy-in from the city of Chicago, helping the city’s government meet its climate goals of 100% clean energy by 2025.
The Double Black Diamond Solar Farm, located in downstate Illinois counties with long histories of coal mining, will have a 600-megawatt capacity, with about half of that devoted to Chicago.
The project will also provide energy to Loyola University and State Farm insurance company. The developer, Boston-based Swift Current Energy, said the total capacity will be enough to power about 100,000 homes and is equal to more than a quarter of Illinois’ current solar capacity, pegged at 2,036 MW last year.