RWE, a leading U.S. renewable energy company, is building its first utility-scale solar project in Illinois to help the state meet its growing demand for clean power.
RWE Expands Illinois Portfolio with Casey Fork Complex
Located in Jefferson County, the Casey Fork complex will increase RWE’s renewable energy portfolio in Illinois to over 750 MW. The facility will be constructed by McCarthy Building Companies Inc. Three of the state’s electric utilities—Ameren, ComEd, and MidAmerican Energy—have already agreed to purchase renewable energy credits from the solar park.
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The Casey Fork solar project is part of RWE’s ongoing U.S. expansion, which includes plans to grow its renewables portfolio from more than 9 gigawatts (GW) of net installed capacity today to over 19 GW by 2030.
Hanson Wood, Head of Development for Utility-Scale Renewables for RWE Clean Energy, stated, “Across the U.S., communities are realizing the benefits of new clean energy infrastructure which create job opportunities, support economic growth and strengthen the local tax base. We look forward to bringing these benefits and more to local communities throughout the country like Jefferson County where RWE’s Casey Fork Solar park will spur hundreds of local jobs and tens of millions of dollars in economic output.”
RWE’s Commitment to Community Growth
RWE is committed to supporting the communities where it builds and operates its facilities. As a growing hub for manufacturing and energy infrastructure, Jefferson County stands to gain significant economic, educational, and environmental benefits from the Casey Fork Solar project.
Tony Iriti, Executive Director of the Jefferson County Development Corporation, said: “The Casey Fork Solar park is the first utility-scale renewable energy generation project in Jefferson County and further enhances our ability to attract sustainability-oriented businesses to the region.”
As part of a proactive procurement strategy, RWE has already secured essential high-voltage equipment, including main power transformers and circuit breakers, to keep projects like Casey Fork on schedule.
New Solar Project to Boost Local Economy
During its construction phase alone, the project is expected to generate more than USD 36 million (EUR 33.5m) in economic activity and create over 200 jobs in Jefferson County. Over its operational lifespan, RWE projects the solar park will contribute an additional USD 22 million in property taxes.
This investment also supports Illinois’ clean energy goals, helping the state advance toward the carbon-reduction targets set by its landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act of 2021.
Beyond the direct economic impact, RWE is also supporting local education and arts programs, including a donation of thousands of dollars to the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts.
RWE’s Casey Fork Solar park in Illinois highlights the transformative potential of renewable energy, promising significant economic growth for Jefferson County through new jobs and increased tax revenue. By supporting local initiatives and advancing Illinois’ clean energy goals, RWE is enriching the community while demonstrating its commitment to sustainable energy solutions across the Midwest.