Ameren Illinois Celebrates Completion of Second Solar Energy Center in East St. Louis

Ameren Illinois, joined by local officials and community stakeholders, celebrated the energizing of its second solar energy center in East St. Louis today. This achievement highlights a $6.9 million investment in diverse contractors and marks the completion of $20 million in solar energy projects. Over the past eight years, the utility has invested $80 million in energy and reliability enhancements for the community.

Situated near the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center on N. 18th Street, the East St. Louis Energy Center II is equipped with over 3,000 solar panels and battery storage systems. These resources are designed to provide reliable energy during peak demand, with the capacity to power approximately 650 homes. “Thanks to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, today we are producing clean, reliable, and equitable energy right here in the community, for the community,” said Lenny Singh, Chairman and President of Ameren Illinois. “We are creating opportunities by turning vacant land into economic engines, investing in local diverse contractors, and showing local schoolchildren what the clean energy transition should look like. We are proving that creativity and innovation can deliver benefits in parts of Illinois that too often get left behind.” 

The project also delivered significant economic benefits, creating 121 local jobs and involving diverse contractors and workers from the region. Key contributors included Azimuth Energy (Fenton, MO), Mason Landscaping (East St. Louis), Terra 5 Construction (St. Jacob, IL), and Guarantee Electrical (Granite City, IL).

This milestone reinforces Ameren Illinois’ commitment to sustainable energy solutions and economic development in the East St. Louis area.