WBEZ reports that Chicago municipal buildings are now run on 100% renewable energy.
According to the news story, “as of January 1, every single one of them—including 98 fire stations, two international airports, and two of the largest water treatment plants on the planet—is running on renewable energy, thanks largely to Illinois’ newest and largest solar farm.”
The city worked with Swift Current to begin construction on a 3,800-acre, 593-megawatt solar farm, the Double Black Diamond Solar project, that is the largest solar installation east of the Mississippi River, producing enough electricity to power more than 100,000 homes.
Chicago also secured a $400,000 annual commitment from Constellation and Swift Current for clean energy workforce training, including training via Chicago Women in Trades, a nonprofit aiming to increase the number of women in union construction and manufacturing jobs.
Furthermore, according to Swift Current, approximately $100 million in new tax revenue is projected to flow into Sangamon County and Morgan County, which are home to the Double Black Diamond Solar site, over the project’s operational life.
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