Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is energy produced from sources that are naturally replenished and do not run out. Renewable energy sources, such as biomass, geothermal resources, sunlight, water, and wind, are natural resources that can be converted to use for electricity generation, space and water heating and cooling, and transportation.

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy estimated that renewable energy generates about 20% of all U.S. electricity, and that percentage continues to grow. By 2023, solar and wind added more than 60% of the utility-scale generating capacity to the U.S. power grid (46% from solar, 17% from wind).

Illinois is rich in natural resources yet still ranks in the top 10 states in reliance on fossil fuels for energy consumption. As of July 2022, Illinois is the fifth-largest energy-consuming state in the nation, ranks fourth in crude oil refining capacity, and the state’s coal mines account for 6% of U.S. total coal production.

To combat Illinois’ reliance on nonrenewable energy sources, the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), signed into law in 2021, established a statewide clean energy goal of 100% by 2050, with “clean energy” defined as “energy generation that is 90% or greater free of carbon dioxide emissions.” This goal is accompanied by an intermediate commitment of 50% renewable energy by 2040. CEJA also includes provisions for energy efficiency, cost savings, rebate and grant programs, and equity and job creation for communities affected by the climate crisis and the clean energy transition. IGEN is helping to play a key role in assisting the state to achieve its goals by supporting campuses and their communities in their renewable energy efforts.

Illinois Community Colleges and Renewable Energy

The Illinois community college system provides renewable energy education for multiple stakeholders to update the workforce and advance the deployment of innovative technologies. IGEN partnerships energize a new level of engagement and productivity in the green economy through streamlining communication between community colleges, industry, and the communities they serve. IGEN highlights the role of Illinois community colleges as credible education and training organizations and combines their function with the business sector’s power to innovate and local communities’ ability to identify their individual needs. To move Illinois toward a more energy-efficient and energy-award populace, colleges are:

• Installing renewable energy technologies on their campuses to drive down energy use from fossil fuels and create a market for renewable energy technologies in our state.
• Supporting the development of, and requisite training equipment to build renewable energy certificate and degree programs at community colleges.
• Building smart grid classrooms to provide job training for various academic areas (electrical, IT, renewable energy, building/construction, etc.).
• Shifting from business-as-usual operations to making energy reduction a priority.
  Supporting community education programs in partnership with community organizations such as the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MERA) and the Smart Energy Design Assistance Network (SEDAC) on energy efficiency and renewables and community projects designed to save energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Participating in community-driven energy savings programs.
• Training and reskilling energy-efficiency home professionals and community members on energy-efficiency.
• Conducting greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories on campus to establish and quantify their carbon footprint.