Missouri vs. Illinois: Comparing Progress in Renewable Energy

There’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned rivalry between neighbors. Whether it’s baseball, barbecue, or, in this case, renewable energy, Missouri and Illinois always seem to find themselves in a bit of a contest. But unlike a friendly backyard cook-off, this particular rivalry has significant implications for the future of our environment and energy security. So, how exactly does Missouri stack up against Illinois in the race to embrace renewable energy? Spoiler alert: we’ve got some catching up to do.

Missouri’s Solar Growth: A Ray of Sunshine in the Show-Me State

Let’s start with the good news. Missouri has been busy soaking up the sun—quite literally. In 2023, our solar energy production jumped by an impressive 32%. Not too shabby, right? This surge in solar power was largely driven by small-scale projects, like those rooftop panels you see popping up in neighborhoods or community solar initiatives that let entire towns get in on the action. It’s a promising sign that Missourians are increasingly turning to the sun to power their lives, which is not only good for the planet but also for our wallets.

But here’s the kicker: while we’re making strides, the bulk of our solar success is still on the smaller side. Sure, small-scale solar is important—every kilowatt counts—but to really turn the tide, we need to think bigger. Thankfully, Ameren Missouri has plans in the works for several utility-scale solar farms set to start serving customers in the next couple of years. These projects could be game-changers, giving Missouri’s renewable energy portfolio the boost it desperately needs.

As Jen Brady, Senior Data Analyst at Climate Central, points out, “Missouri grew faster than Illinois last year, so their pace is picking up in that sense.”

Illinois: The Renewable Energy Overachiever

Now, let’s take a trip across the river to our neighbor, Illinois. I hate to admit it, but they’re kind of kicking our butts in the renewable energy game. In 2023 alone, Illinois generated over 25,500 gigawatt-hours of energy from wind and solar combined. Meanwhile, Missouri managed to muster up about 7,700 gigawatt-hours. Ouch.

So, what’s their secret? For one, Illinois has been all-in on renewable energy for years. They’ve invested heavily in infrastructure, rolled out policies that make going green a no-brainer, and, well, they have twice as many people as we do. But it’s not just a numbers game—it’s a commitment. Illinois has positioned itself as a leader in the renewable energy space, and the results speak for themselves.

Wind Energy: Gone with the Wind?

It’s not all sunshine and roses, though. Both Missouri and Illinois saw a decline in wind energy production in 2023, which mirrors a national trend. Apparently, Mother Nature decided to take it easy on the wind last year, leading to slower-than-usual speeds and, as a result, less energy generation. Even so, Illinois remains one of the top wind energy producers in the country, adding a whopping 800 megawatts of capacity last year. Meanwhile, Missouri’s wind energy sector seems to have caught a bit of a chill. We’ve got some work to do if we want to catch that breeze again.

Fair Comparison? Depends Who You Ask.

Now, you might be thinking, “Is it really fair to compare Missouri and Illinois in this category?” And you wouldn’t be alone. Illinois has a larger population, different political priorities, and a head start in the renewable energy race. But here’s the thing—this comparison isn’t just about who’s winning and who’s lagging. It’s about recognizing what’s possible when a state gets serious about renewable energy and what Missouri could achieve if we follow suit.

Looking Ahead: Missouri’s Moment to Shine

So, where does that leave us? Well, Missouri might be behind in the numbers, but that doesn’t mean we’re out of the race. In fact, with the right investments and a bit more support from our leaders, we could close the gap faster than you’d think. The recent growth in solar energy is a great start, and with Ameren’s upcoming projects, we have a real shot at making significant progress.

But let’s not stop there. It’s time to think big, push for more wind and solar projects, and ensure that Missouri isn’t just playing catch-up but leading the charge toward a cleaner, greener future.

Conclusion: A Friendly Nudge in the Right Direction

So, what’s the takeaway from this cross-river rivalry? Well, Missouri, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. The potential is there, the need is urgent, and with a little effort, we could be the ones setting the pace in the Midwest renewable energy race. After all, wouldn’t it be nice to finally outshine Illinois—literally?

References

Original story by Kate Grumke - KCUR

1. KCUR Article: Missouri Solar Power Grew Significantly Last Year, but It's Still Far Behind Neighboring Illinois
2. KHMO Radio Article: Missouri vs. Illinois Renewable Energy Comparison