Gateway Solar & Storage

Project Description

The Gateway Solar & Storage project is a pioneering renewable energy initiative located in Randolph County, Illinois. By placing solar and storage facilities on land once used for underground coal mining, the project continues the area’s legacy as an energy leader, transitioning from coal to clean energy. Gateway will feature a 250 MW solar array and a 95 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), slated to begin operations in 2028. Once fully operational, the project will produce enough energy to power over 56,000 homes annually. This innovative approach ensures that Randolph County remains at the heart of America’s energy economy, bringing investment, opportunities, and pride to a region that has fueled the nation for generations.

For more detailed insights, you can read the full press release here.

Status: In development

Site Location

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Facts and Figures

00 MW

Solar power capacity providing energy for over 56,000 homes.

$ 00 million/year

Expected property tax revenue, benefiting community services and schools.

00 Jobs

Created during project construction and operations.

Project Benefits

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Continuing the Legacy of Energy

Gateway Solar & Storage continues Randolph County's historic role as an energy hub by transitioning former underground mine lands to a modern, clean energy future. This project demonstrates RWE’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that honor and build upon the area’s legacy of energy generation.

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Continuing the Legacy of Energy
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Energy Independence and Grid Resilience

By generating homegrown energy, Gateway helps reduce reliance on foreign energy sources while stabilizing the grid. The addition of battery storage further enhances grid resiliency, making local energy systems more reliable and protecting consumers from market volatility.

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Energy Independence and Grid Resilience
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Economic Growth and Community Benefits

As a long-term investment, Gateway Solar & Storage contributes directly to the local economy through property tax revenue and the creation of nearly 900 jobs, supporting Randolph County’s growth and prosperity.

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Supporting local economies

Stronger Electric Grid

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The Gateway Solar & Storage project strengthens Illinois' electric grid through the integration of renewable energy and battery storage. Combined, these technologies increase grid stability, create a buffer against rising energy costs, and ensure a consistent supply of clean power to the local electric system.

Protecting the Environment and the Community

Gateway Solar & Storage exemplifies RWE's commitment to pioneering energy projects that prioritize environmental integrity and economic growth. The design will preferentially avoid sensitive environmental features, ensuring minimal impact on local ecosystems. Solar panels made of safe, well-tested materials are deployed to enhance Illinois' electric grid resiliency while protecting consumers from the volatility of traditional energy sources. Our careful planning, including setbacks and vegetative screening, minimizes viewshed impacts, while studies have precisely located streams, wetlands, and wildlife habitats to ensure informed placement and design. Permits will be obtained from the proper environmental regulatory agencies, underscoring RWE's dedication to environmental stewardship.

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By situating solar panels on former underground mining land, RWE continues the area’s energy legacy while delivering infrastructure that powers thousands of homes sustainably. Panel breakage is rare, including during severe weather events, and RWE's advanced remote operations center monitors the solar panels 24/7, 365 days a year, guaranteeing their durability and reliability. Upon decommissioning, our efforts continue as the panel and racking structures will be recycled, supporting RWE's commitment to sustainable practices. Each step of the project lifecycle, from planning to operation, reflects a dedication to operational excellence and community engagement, emphasizing RWE's role as a green energy leader.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of RWE's project strategy. In Randolph County, we maintain transparency and open communication, ensuring local residents are informed and involved. The anticipated property tax revenues will significantly support local school districts and public services, helping to foster a thriving community. Our approach maximizes land use by transforming former underground coal mine sites into productive solar power areas, contributing to the environment and economy through this innovative initiative.

Advancing Energy Solutions for a Sustainable Future:

From coal to clean energy, Gateway Solar & Storage demonstrates RWE’s dedication to delivering energy innovations that integrate environmental care with economic opportunity. By repurposing lands once central to coal mining, this project fosters new economic growth while honoring the legacy of regions that helped power America for generations.

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