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Chicago has achieved a significant milestone as the city enters 2024, with all 411 municipal buildings, including City Hall and libraries, now operating entirely on renewable energy. This initiative is a critical component of the city’s broader climate strategy and serves as an example of sustainability efforts nationwide.
The transition to renewable energy was made possible through a five-year power purchase agreement (PPA) established in 2022 with energy supplier Constellation. This agreement ensures a consistent supply of clean energy to power city operations.
Central to this transformation is the Double Black Diamond solar farm, a 4,100-acre facility in central Illinois. Operated by Swift Current Energy, it stands as the largest solar farm east of the Mississippi River, contributing 70 percent of the 900,000 megawatt-hours of electricity consumed annually by Chicago’s municipal buildings. The remaining 30 percent of the energy comes from renewable energy credits (RECs) provided by Constellation, which support clean energy projects across the United States.
The shift to renewable energy is projected to reduce Chicago’s carbon emissions by approximately 290,000 metric tons each year, equivalent to taking 62,000 cars off the road. In addition to environmental benefits, the initiative is expected to create economic opportunities, featuring a $400,000 annual investment from Constellation and Swift Current Energy for clean energy job training programs.
Chicago’s renewable energy leadership reflects a growing trend among municipalities across the United States, with over 700 cities committing to similar agreements. This collective effort generates enough clean energy to power approximately 4 million homes annually, according to the World Resources Institute.
Looking forward, Chicago aims to extend its clean energy transition beyond municipal buildings, targeting a 100 percent renewable energy supply for all buildings within its limits by 2035. Achieving this goal would position Chicago as the largest U.S. city to reach such a milestone, underscoring the potential for cities to lead in sustainability and equity initiatives.
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