Chicago Construction News staff writer
Swift Current Energy’s 800-megawatt Double Black Diamond Solar project is now operational about 30 miles west of Springfield, becoming the largest solar farm currently running east of the Mississippi River.
The utility-scale solar installation is delivering clean energy to several major customers, including the City of Chicago, which is sourcing about 70% of its municipal electricity needs from the project, including operations such as O’Hare and Midway airports.
Construction started in 2018. Double Black Diamond meets the labor and equity standards set by Illinois’ Clean and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). Over its lifetime, the solar farm is expected to generate $100 million in local tax revenue for Sangamon and Morgan counties—about 60% for infrastructure, public safety, and community services. Swift Current is also committing $10 million toward community benefit initiatives.
