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Swift Current Energy has officially launched operations at its 800 MWdc (593 MWac) Double Black Diamond Solar project, marking a major milestone for renewable energy in the U.S. Located about 30 miles west of Springfield, Illinois, the facility is now the largest operating solar project east of the Mississippi River. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the site to commemorate the occasion, with participation from local and state leaders, project partners, and landowners. Speakers included Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter, Constellation Executive Vice President Kathleen L. Barrón, and senior leaders from Swift Current Energy. The City of Chicago is one of the major beneficiaries of the project, now sourcing 100 percent of its operational power from renewable energy. Approximately 70 percent of this energy—used to power city facilities such as O’Hare and Midway airports—comes from the Double Black Diamond Solar project. Other major customers sourcing clean energy from the project through Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. include Cook County, CVS Health, Loyola University Chicago, PPG, State Farm, and TransUnion. Eric Lammers, CEO and Co-Founder of Swift Current, said in a statement, “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. We thank our customers in collaboration with Constellation for their commitment to this project. We especially thank Sangamon and Morgan Counties for welcoming us into their communities during development and construction. We will continue to honor our commitments as we operate Double Black Diamond.” Neil Doherty, Executive Director, Infrastructure at IFM Investors, mentioned, “We are delighted to sponsor the Double Black Diamond solar project and demonstrate the benefits that long term private capital can bring when partnering with a major American City like Chicago. We are proud to support this project which will deliver tangible economic benefits for the local community, and has supported manufacturing and construction jobs for American workers.” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, also added, “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. 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.” The project has had a significant economic and environmental impact. It used a strong domestic solar supply chain, with most of its 1.6 million solar panels produced by First Solar in Ohio. Racking systems were provided by Nextracker, with some components made in Chicago from 100% U.S.-sourced steel. Construction of the solar farm created about 500 jobs and achieved more than one million safe work hours. The project met labor and diversity standards outlined in the Illinois Clean and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), creating opportunities for a broad cross-section of workers across the state. St. Louis-based McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. led the engineering, procurement, and construction work. Kathleen Barrón, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Constellation, stated, “Double Black Diamond demonstrates what’s possible when we bring customers and clean energy solutions together. We were proud to work closely with the City of Chicago and other customers to help bring this new capacity to life. Efforts like this aren’t just about reducing emissions – they also drive local investment, support American manufacturing, and help communities realize the full value of clean energy while advancing their sustainability goals.” Andy Van Meter, Chair, Sangamon County Board, commented, “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.” Development of the Double Black Diamond Solar project began in 2018, and power generation commenced in 2024. Today, the facility produces enough clean energy to power approximately 100,000 homes each year. Over its lifetime, the project is expected to generate significant tax revenue for Sangamon and Morgan counties in central Illinois. Swift Current Energy will also contribute $10 million in community benefit funds to organizations including the Sangamon Growth Alliance, the Auburn School District, the City of Chicago, and Cook County. Swift Current Energy remains the long-term owner and operator of the project. Google provided tax equity financing, while construction financing was led by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Societe Generale, Truist, and eight other financial institutions. |
