RWE expands Illinois footprint with 273MW solar project

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The Emily Solar project in Clark and Cumberland counties, which now comprises two solar plants and three wind projects. Image: RWE

German energy company RWE has commissioned its 273.6MW Emily Solar project in Illinois, taking the developer’s operating renewable energy portfolio in the state to 1GW. 

The Emily Solar project, located across Clark and Cumberland counties, marks the latest addition to RWE’s Illinois portfolio, which now comprises two solar plants and three wind projects.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

RWE has operated in Illinois for 15 years and has continued expanding its renewables footprint as utilities and corporate buyers increase demand for new generation capacity in the US Midwest. The company said the Emily Solar commissioning strengthens grid reliability while delivering “abundant, affordable energy” to consumers. 

Hanson Wood, chief development officer, RWE Americas, “As electricity demand continues to grow across Illinois, reaching 1GW of operating capacity in this state is an important milestone for RWE and for the communities we serve. Emily Solar shows how energy projects can deliver safe abundant, reliable power while creating jobs and providing tangible local benefits for Clark and Cumberland Counties.” 

RWE Americas, the US arm of RWE, operates a diversified portfolio of around 13GW of generation assets across 27 states, spanning solar, wind and battery storage technologies. 

Last year, RWE Clean Energy commissioned the 200MW Stoneridge Solar PV project in Texas, alongside a co-located 100MW/200MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), marking a key expansion of its US renewables portfolio. The project, located in Milam County, was completed by RWE’s US arm following construction works that concluded on site yesterday, according to the company. 

16 June 2026
Napa, USA
PV Tech has been running PV ModuleTech Conferences since 2017. PV ModuleTech USA, on 16-17 June 2026, will be our fifth PV ModulelTech conference dedicated to the U.S. utility scale solar sector. The event will gather the key stakeholders from solar developers, solar asset owners and investors, PV manufacturing, policy-making and and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out the PV module supply channels to the U.S. out to 2028 and beyond.
13 October 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 13-14 October 2026 is our third PV CellTech conference dedicated to the U.S. manufacturing sector. The events in 2023, 2024 and 2025 were a sell out success and 2026 will once again gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing in the U.S. out to 2030 and beyond.

Read Next

May 13, 2026
J&V Energy is acquiring a 187MW portfolio of operational solar assets in Taiwan from a fund managed by Global Infrastructure Partners.
May 13, 2026
Meta has signed PPAs totalling 850MW with IPP DESRI, covering solar and battery storage projects across Oklahoma, Texas and Mississippi. 
May 13, 2026
A coalition of US solar manufacturers has filed a formal request with the US Department of Commerce to initiate an anti-circumvention inquiry into c-Si PV cells and modules assembled in Ethiopia using Chinese-origin components.
May 13, 2026
Solar PV project performance in the US can be significantly impacted by the impacts of hailstorms, stowing methods and fire.
May 13, 2026
Nextpower is set to acquire the power conversion assets of Spain-based Zigor Corporation and its US subsidiary, Apex Power.
May 13, 2026
European Energy Australia is set to commence solar module installation at its 100MWac Winton North solar plant in northeast Victoria.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
May 20, 2026
Porto, Portugal
Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 3, 2026
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA