SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — As Illinois moves to a clean energy economy, more coal and natural gas plants will go offline. 40% of the energy in Illinois currently comes from natural gas and 15% of the power is generated by coal.
National energy experts told the Senate Energy & Public Utilities Committee Thursday that Illinois needs to use a mix of energy sources to ensure the power grid can meet growing demand. Although, downstate lawmakers are concerned that manufacturing companies won't want to move to Illinois if there are frequent blackouts.
"We've historically been known for having great reliable energy," said Sen. Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon). "Obviously, these last two years that's something that we have heard the red flag being raise so to speak."
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Harriss said she wants to make sure Illinois is loading enough power with other sources while the state is removing fossil fuel options from the mix.Â
Democrats and Republicans have heard from clean energy advocates and utility companies who are concerned that new wind and solar projects are stuck awaiting approval.
"They complain that the process is slow," said Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). "They have a hard time getting from the queue and online. I think there's some institutional challenges because of the governance and how we regulate."
Experts from Reliability First and the Midwest Reliability Organization said there is always room for improvement in terms of renewable energy project approval. However, they also argued that Illinois have should have a wider variety of energy options available for approval.
"I'd encourage everyone to take a holistic view and just not focus on the generation side," said Brian Thiry, Director of Entity Engagement and External Affairs for Reliability First. "Let's look at all three legs of this so that we can build this grid of the future together and make sure that it is always reliable but also cost effective and environmentally sustainable as well."
Lawmakers and advocates said carbon capture development could potentially create over 14,400 jobs and help many people forced to leave closing coal and gas plants.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle hope to pass a plan over the final month of the spring session to expand access to carbon capture technology. Experts believe the technology could play a vital role in reaching the state's 100% carbon-free goal by 2050.
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