Grant funding will bolster a diverse workforce in the clean energy industry

CHICAGO - On March 20, 2025, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced 88 awards totaling $57 million through the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program ($7.7 million), Equitable Energy Future Grant Program ($10.3 million), and Energy Transition Community/Zion Grant Program ($39 million) - initiatives under the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).  These programs will catalyze energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that will help clean energy businesses grow and utilize Illinois' clean energy workforce.

"A true clean energy future is one that leaves no community behind," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Through the transformative Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, we're ensuring historically disadvantaged communities are at the forefront as we grow our clean energy economy. These grant programs are driving clean energy projects where they're needed most, creating opportunities and a future where all Illinoisans can thrive."

"These investments are more than just dollars-they are commitments to communities that have historically been left behind in the energy economy," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "By prioritizing workforce development, and innovation, we are ensuring that all Illinoisans-regardless of zip code-have access to the benefits of our growing clean energy sector."

Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program

Through the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program, $7.7 million is being awarded to 11 grantees to more equitably grow the clean energy workforce. The program supports community-based organizations and technical service providers in low-income and historically disadvantaged communities to plan, develop, and execute community solar projects.

"The programs DCEO is administering through CEJA are essential to achieving our mission of a more sustainable future for Illinois," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "The State of Illinois is creating programs through an equitable lens to support communities that need it most and positive changes that will last for generations."

The goal of this grant program is to provide upfront seed capital funding to overcome barriers to project development caused by lack of capital in historically disadvantaged communities. The program prioritizes funding for community solar projects that are located in and provide benefits to environmental justice or Restore Reinvest Renew (R3) communities. Environmental justice and R3 communities are areas where residents have historically been excluded from economic opportunities, including opportunities in the energy sector, and areas that experience high levels of pollution.

"The landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act is already changing lives and livelihoods across Illinois," said Senate President Don Harmon (D - Oak Park). "These grants will help us build upon the progress that has already been made through CEJA while bolstering a diverse clean energy workforce."

"CEJA programs are helping us prepare Illinois' world-class workforce for the clean energy jobs of the future," said Assistant Majority Leader Marcus C. Evans, Jr. (D - Chicago). "The State has designed equity-focused programs that remove barriers to entry and provide opportunities in historically disadvantaged communities."