Going Green: Why Clean Energy Companies Are Charging Into Illinois

Thanks to a strategic blend of leading investment, exceptional talent, and world-class infrastructure, the state of Illinois is helping define the nation’s clean energy landscape. From EV parts manufacturers to battery innovators, companies are charging into the Land of Lincoln to benefit from Illinois’ vast resources—and unmatched ecosystem—for sustainable business growth.  

A Legacy of Innovation Meets an Exciting Green Future

No stranger to innovation, Illinois is home to two national laboratories (Argonne and Fermilab) and world-class research institutions like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Chicago. This deep scientific foundation provides both a natural launching pad for clean energy startups and a necessary support system for the industry’s giants.  

Home to substantial investments from companies like Rivian, Gotion, and Manner Polymers, Illinois is a premier destination for business due to its skilled talent, easy-access location, and robust transportation and supply chain networks.  

Policy That Powers Progress

In 2021, Illinois signed into law the historic Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), one of the most comprehensive climate plans in the U.S., and policy that leads the Midwest. The legislation sets Illinois on a path to achieving 100% clean energy by 2050, offering businesses the commitment they need to plan long-term investments via expansions and relocations.  

More recently, Illinois launched a $500 million investment into the development of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP)—having broken ground just last month!—which, while supporting quantum technology scale-up and commercialization, also creates potential opportunities for crossover technologies in grid optimization, clean energy efficiency, and climate modeling.  

Further, Illinois also includes clean energy production and manufacturing in its Five-Year Economic Growth Plan, reinforcing statewide alignment around decarbonization and green economy growth.  

An Ecosystem Designed for Speed and Scale

Illinois offers what no other state can: the right mix of location, logistics, and (especially skilled) labor.  

• Central location: Positioned within a two-day truck drive of over 80% of the continental U.S. population, Illinois offers unparalleled access to domestic and global markets alike.  

• Unmatched infrastructure: The state is a national leader in freight rail, road miles, and airport capacity (O’Hare is the most-connected airport in the U.S. and top 10 in the world)—all of which are critical for supply chain efficiency and timely, reliable delivery.  

• Skilled workforce: With a top-10 largest green workforce in the U.S. plus targeted training programs like those at Heartland Community College (EVES) and Illinois Central College, the state is investing in tomorrow’s green workforce.  

In fact, Illinois ranks #1 in the Midwest for Department of Energy funding including advanced technologies R&D, a clear advantage for companies looking to scale quickly in the evolving sector.  

Clean Energy and Community Impact

Clean energy innovation offers both a catalyst for equitable growth and resilience in a changing climate, and Illinois’ clean energy strategy goes hand in hand with workforce development and community revitalization.  

Programs like the Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program and regional innovation hubs ensure that underserved communities and diverse talent pipelines are prioritized in the state’s clean energy transition. Plus, with a cost of living lower than coastal tech hubs, Illinois offers a quality of life that helps employers attract and retain top-tier talent.  

Why Expand or Relocate to Illinois?

Clean energy companies plugging into Illinois benefit from a thriving, supportive, future-minded ecosystem. Here, companies gain:  

• Public-private collaboration that accelerates time-to-market 

• Strategic incentive programs designed for scaling cleantech  

• Access to a deep bench of technical talent and R&D excellence  

• A policy environment that leads in sustainability and drives innovation 

Thanks to groundbreaking legislation, advanced workforce training, and significant infrastructure investments, Illinois is all in on clean energy.  

Already home to numerous cleantech leaders, there’s no better place to live, work, and do business than Illinois. Get in touch with our team today, and discover why you should plug in, too.