Driving the future
of clean energy
Ranked #1 in the Midwest for sustainable development and #2 in the U.S. for clean and low-carbon energy production, Illinois is paving the way toward a cleaner, greener future. Prioritizing business success and sustainability, the state has tremendous assets for clean energy companies to grow, including its qualified workforce, world-class infrastructure, and reliable power grid — plus access to 100% renewables through a robust energy ecosystem.
World-Class Workforce
Having added 31K+ related jobs since 2014, Illinois boasts the 5th largest green job-ready workforce in the U.S., with 23K+ completions awarded annually. Home to 240+ higher education institutions, including several of the nation’s top engineering and computer science schools, Illinois produces the skilled talent clean energy companies need to succeed. Leading programs such as Heartland Community College’s Electric Vehicle Energy Storage (EVES) curriculum and the Southwestern Illinois College Advanced Manufacturing Center are training today's workers for the green economy of tomorrow.
Top-Tier Infrastructure
Leading the way in sustainability, Illinois is continually recognized for its advancements in clean energy adoption. No. 1 in the Midwest and #7 in the U.S. for sustainable development, Illinois' nuclear power plants account for over 1/8th of all U.S. nuclear power generation (#1 in the U.S.); the state also ranks #5 for wind energy generation and #6 in the U.S. for net generation from renewable sources excluding hydroelectric. A partner in the $1B MachH2 hydrogen hub and home to the Great Lakes ReNEW NSF Engine with a $160M investment, Illinois is a cleantech leader nationwide and globally.
Substantial Support
Signed into law in 2021, the historic Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) puts Illinois on the path to 100% renewable energy by 2050 — leading the Midwest. In support of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Illinois offers the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV) Act, which provides significant incentives to encourage renewables and energy storage companies to grow, as well as the Illinois Motor Vehicle Franchise Act, allowing newly-established motor vehicle manufacturers to sell directly to the public. Illinois is the #1 Midwest state for Department of Energy funding including advanced technologies R&D.
Notable Illinois Businesses
Notable Illinois Businesses
Top Illinois clean energy employers include:
- Rivian
- Invenergy
- LanzaTech
- Gotion
- NuMat Technologies
Key Data
- #1 in the Midwest for sustainable development (#7 in U.S.)
- 22K+ companies (#1 in Midwest) employ 273K individuals (top 10 in U.S.)
- #2 in the U.S. for clean/low-carbon energy production (7.4% of total U.S. generation)
- #2 in LEED Green Building with 101 certifications in 2023
- #2 largest talent pipeline of EV battery and related program completions in the U.S.
- 1M+ workers skilled for automotive industry jobs (#1 in Midwest; #5 in U.S.); 22% higher concentration than national average
- Vast supply chain with 1K+ companies in EV ecosystem
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