Swift Current Energy has brought its 800-MWDC Double Black Diamond Solar project online in Illinois. Located 30 miles west of Springfield, the project is the largest operating solar facility east of the Mississippi River.
Swift Current Energy joined project customers and local leaders to celebrate the start of operations for Double Black Diamond Solar. Photo Credit: Patrick Pyszka, City of Chicago
Swift Current held a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week at the project site, an event attended by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other government and company officials.
The City of Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States to source 100% of the power for its municipal operations from renewable energy. About 70% of Chicago’s power used for its facilities – including O’Hare and Midway airports – is sourced from Swift Current’s Double Black Diamond Solar project. Additionally, Cook County, CVS Health, Loyola University Chicago, PPG, State Farm, and TransUnion are sourcing power from the project via Constellation NewEnergy.
“This project is a powerful example of why we believe in the green economy. Double Black Diamond Solar is union-made, clean energy that will make our city cleaner and more energy efficient,” said Mayor Johnson. “Projects like this are about our commitment to environmental justice, but they are also about good jobs and affordability for the working people of our city. We intend to build upon this critical milestone and continue to increase the adoption of clean energy in our city, improving the lives of our residents through new job opportunities in the green economy and reduced emissions. We are happy to partner with Swift Current Energy and Constellation to make progress toward a healthier, greener Chicago.”
Eric Lammers, CEO and co-founder of Swift Current, said, “Electricity demand in the U.S. is accelerating with new manufacturing load and tech needs. Our Double Black Diamond Solar facility is an example of how we are utilizing U.S.-manufacturers and American workers to provide the energy needed to charge our country’s growth now.”
The project features First Solar panels made in Ohio, key steel components from Chicago and racking from Nextracker’s U.S. facilities. During construction, Double Black Diamond Solar created approximately 500 jobs and reached commercial operation with more than 1 million safe person-hours. The project also successfully met the Illinois Clean and Equitable Jobs Act’s (CEJA) labor and diverse hiring standards for renewable energy development, helping bring employment opportunities to a wider range of Illinoisians. McCarthy Building Companies served as EPC.
Over the life of the project, Double Black Diamond Solar is anticipated to provide substantial tax revenue to the local project counties, Sangamon and Morgan, in central Illinois. Additionally, Swift Current will provide $10 million in community benefits funds to the Sangamon Growth Alliance, Auburn School District, City of Chicago and Cook County.
Andy Van Meter, Chair, Sangamon County Board, said, “The Double Black Diamond Solar project brings significant financial benefits to Sangamon County. It’s expected to generate $100 million in local tax revenue over its lifetime, with more than 60% directed to our public schools. The remaining revenue will strengthen essential services, including public safety, infrastructure, and community programs that support the needs of families throughout our County. We are thankful to Swift Current Energy, whose efforts will deliver tangible benefits for our residents.”
Swift Current is the long-term owner and operator of the project and has previously announced that tax equity for the project was provided by Google, and construction financing for the project was provided by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Societe Generale, Truist, and eight other leading lenders.
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