Ameren Illinois broke ground on a $10.2 million solar energy facility in East St. Louis. The 2.5 megawatts East St. Louis Solar Energy Center will produce enough electricity to power 500 homes while providing an economic boost to the region. It is the first power generation facility owned and operated by Ameren Illinois in the last 25 years.
"With this project, we are harnessing opportunity and hope for the future," said Richard J. Mark, Chairman, and President, Ameren Illinois. "For too long, communities like East St. Louis have been on the sidelines while others have reaped the rewards. Today, we're planting a seed of renewal that will put East St. Louis at the center of the clean energy revolution."
solar energy facility
The facility will be comprised of more than 5,700 solar panels which will harness energy from the sun
The facility will be constructed on a 17-acre site on State Street across from East St. Louis Sr. High School. It will be comprised of more than 5,700 solar panels which will harness energy from the sun and feed the energy onto Ameren Illinois' local grid.
Area contractors Mason Landscaping, Terra 5 Construction, Guarantee Electrical Company, and Azimuth Energy will be utilizing local labor to build the facility.
East St. Louis Solar Energy Center
"We felt very strongly that doors be opened for local businesses, especially diverse-owned firms and diverse workers, to bring this project to life," said Mark. "Every facet of the construction and operation will be representative of the community where the facility is located."
The East St. Louis Solar Energy Center continues Ameren Illinois' commitment to building a more robust regional economy. In the last 5 years, the company has invested $86 million in the city of East St. Louis, including renovation of a 29,000-square-foot regional operating center, substation upgrades, and numerous smart grid projects to improve reliability.
Mayor's comments
"Today's groundbreaking is about more than just another energy project," said Robert Eastern III, Mayor of East St. Louis.
"Finally, someone is standing up for us and saying we're deserving of the benefits of an emerging industry and the chance to revitalize the core of our city. Ameren Illinois has been a long-time partner and corporate citizen. This company does what it says it's going to do."
demonstration area
Ameren Illinois is developing a demonstration area to provide students with practical instruction on solar generation
In addition to the economic benefits to the city, Ameren Illinois is developing a demonstration area within the facility to provide students at East St. Louis School District #189 and other nearby districts with practical instruction on solar generation and renewable energy.
The company will develop an educational plan and curriculum to help give students a first-hand view of how renewable energy is produced while showcasing energy jobs of today and the future.
stronger and safer neighborhood
City and county officials, lawmakers, and union leaders gathered at the construction site along with Ameren Illinois leaders and front-line workers.
"This is just the start of many investments in clean energy in St. Clair County. I am thrilled to support this project to deliver a stronger and safer neighborhood and access to economic opportunity," said Mark Kern, Chairman, St. Clair County Board.
Energy policy
Rep Greenwood and I worked on an energy policy that supports long-term environmental stewardship"
"Rep Greenwood and I worked on energy policy that supports long-term environmental stewardship and opportunity for underserved communities," said State Sen. Chris Belt.
"Rather than talk about fairness and equity, we saw to it that diverse company participation and hiring goals are in the law. When you drive by this site, you'll see people like us building this clean energy center. That's the way it should be."
clean energy center
"I became a legislator to fight to ensure that Black and Brown people in communities, like ours, who have long been overlooked, will no longer be passed over. I am proud that East St. Louis will be at the center of a movement to build a clean energy foundation here in Downstate Illinois," said State Rep. Latoya Greenwood.
"Too many clean energy projects have been built by out-of-state contractors who haven't paid prevailing union wages. This project will be built better, stronger, and faster than any other in Illinois because it will be built by local union workers," said State Rep. Jay Hoffman. The East St. Louis Solar Energy Center is expected to be operational in late 2022 or early 2023.
