5 surprising facts about renewable energy growth in Illinois

According to Renewables on the Rise 2024, the eighth edition of our annual report on the state of clean energy in America, Illinois now generates 4,790% more solar power and 119% more wind power than it did in 2014. This increase means that we can power an additional 1,425,076 households each year with clean energy.

Here are five interesting facts about clean energy’s growth in Illinois:

1. Illinois generated more solar energy in 2023 alone than all solar generation before 2022 combined.

Illinois produced 3,478 GWh of solar energy last year, up from 71 GWh in 2014. This was enough to bring us to 14th place in the national solar rankings.

2. There was no reported battery storage capacity in Illinois until 2015, now we’re 11th in the country.

As of 2023, Illinois has installed 0.1 gigawatts of battery storage capacity. This ranks Illinois 11th in the country.

3. There were 93,021 electric vehicles registered in Illinois in 2023.

The number of EVs has grown 3,059% since 2014. Illinois is ranked 7th in the country in terms of EV growth in the past 10 years.

4. Illinois added 159 EV charging ports in 2023.

This was a 4.7% increase from 2022 and a 310% increase from 2014. Illinois now ranks 15th in the country in EV charging ports installed.

5. Illinois generated more than twice as much electricity from wind power in 2023 than in 2014.

Though wind energy was down across the board in 2023, we’ve still seen a significant growth since 2014. Illinois is ranked 5th in the country in wind generation.

Our clean energy growth over the past 10 years has proven the viability and significance of these renewable energy sources. By taking advantage of the opportunities to continue these trends, Illinois can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

What can state and local leaders do to keep renewable energy growing? 

State and local governments can support renewable energy by:

• setting renewable energy goals with clear benchmarks
• leveraging federal resources to reach renewable energy goals. 
• ensuring that utility policies fairly compensate the owners of renewable energy technologies 
• support policies for permitting and interconnection that make adopting renewable energy technologies easier. 
• expand efficiency programs, including updating energy codes for buildings and adopting the latest appliance efficiency standards.

You can help renewable energy continue to grow in Illinois by taking action below.