Mississippi’s 800 MW Solar Giant Transforms The Midwest Energy Landscape

The Double Black Diamond Solar project isn’t in Mississippi but near Springfield, Illinois. It’s the largest solar facility east of the Mississippi River, generating 800 MW of power for about 100,000 homes. Completed in April 2025, it supplies 70% of Chicago’s public facility energy, including both major airports. The $100 million project benefits local counties, schools, and landowners while creating three times more jobs than fossil fuel alternatives.

A giant in renewable energy has risen in Illinois. The Double Black Diamond Solar project now delivers 800 MWdc of power, making it the largest operating solar facility east of the Mississippi River. Located about 30 miles west of Springfield, this massive solar farm reached commercial operation in April 2025.

The project supplies enough energy to power around 100,000 households each year. The City of Chicago gets about 70% of its public facility energy from this source, including power for O’Hare and Midway airports. Other major customers include CVS Health, Loyola University Chicago, State Farm, and TransUnion.

Swift Current Energy owns and developed the facility with backing from IFM Investors, an Australian investment fund. Development began in 2018 and took seven years to complete. McCarthy Building Companies led construction with nearly 500 workers at peak times. Workers logged over one million safe work hours during the build.

The project uses about 1.6 million solar panels made by First Solar in Ohio. Nextracker supplied racking systems that include 100% US-made steel components. This American-focused supply chain showcases the strength of US solar manufacturing. Unlike fossil fuels, these solar installations will create three times more jobs for the local economy over their operational lifetime.

Local communities will see major benefits. Sangamon and Morgan Counties expect to receive approximately $100 million in revenue during the project’s lifetime. Public schools will receive over 60% of this tax revenue. Local landowners earn money through long-term leases for their property. Swift Current Energy has also committed $10 million in direct community benefit contributions to local recipients.

The solar facility follows Illinois’ Clean and Equitable Jobs Act standards for inclusive hiring. It has strengthened local skilled labor markets through job creation in the solar industry.

This clean energy project supports Illinois’ shift away from fossil fuels. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality across the state. For customers, it provides affordable, emissions-free power that helps meet their renewable energy goals.

The Double Black Diamond Solar project serves as a model for future large-scale solar development throughout the Midwest, demonstrating how renewable energy can transform a region’s power generation.