SOLAR ENERGY IN ILLINOIS

Belleville landfill project

operational

The Belleville Landfill Project is among the nation's largest solar energy facilities to be developed on a capped landfill. Together with Republic Services and HeartLand Conservancy, AES is reimagining what it means to develop renewable energy.

Aerial view of a large solar panel farm with rows of solar panels covering open fields. A small building and several parked cars are visible in the foreground. The landscape includes green fields, a river, and distant trees under a clear sky.
A logo featuring a grey lightning bolt inside a circular gradient ring transitioning from purple to blue to green.
13.28MW solar capacity
Illustration of a gray house with a blue line extending from its door to a horizontal line, transitioning from blue to green.
3,261 equivalent of homes to be powered by the project
A gray map pin icon with a circular hole in the center, positioned above a multicolored ring transitioning from blue to green.
Located in Belleville, Illinois

Our clean energy commitment

We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities without burdening existing infrastructure. 

A diverse group of people seated under a tent, clapping and facing forward. The background shows trees and a fence. The attendees appear engaged in an outdoor event.

Economic and environmental benefits

The project is expected to generate substantial economic and environmental benefits for local communities and the region. 

27,898 MWh

Carbon-free electricity generated each year, improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions 

$1.2M in local property taxes

contributed by AES over the project's lifetime

120 local workers

Created during peak construction, while supporting indirect employment and business in the area

Project details

 

The Belleville Landfill Project serves as a model for future landfill projects, demonstrating how such projects can integrate seamlessly into the local economy while providing affordable clean energy.

  • Repurposing Republic Services' capped Belleville landfill facility into a renewable energy solution
  • AES will contribute approximately $1.2M in local property taxes over the project's lifetime
  • Watch our virtual celebration to learn more

Belleville Landfill Video

Vimeo thumbnail

Watch video

Clean energy benefits local communities 

A gray heart with a gradient ring in blue, purple, and green encircling it.

Landowner income diversification, keeping land in the family

A gray spherical object with a multicolored horizontal band across its middle.

Local economic stimulus during construction

Gray plant sprouting with two leaves outlined in gradient colors.

Affordable, reliable, locally produced clean energy

A simple gray leaf icon with a gradient outline in blue and green.

Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions

Icon of a document with a dollar sign in a circle, representing financial or billing information.

Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits

Aerial view of a power substation surrounded by several utility vehicles, including orange and white trucks, parked on a paved area. The substation is enclosed by a fence and contains electrical equipment. Nearby, there is a road on the left and grassy areas with trees on the right.

Sustainability Resources

Sustainability best practices

At AES, safety is our highest priority, and we’ve focused on improving lives for more than 40 years. As a leading innovator in energy solutions, sustainability is core to both our strategy and our culture. We are committed to responsible land use and incorporating sustainable best practices into the entire project lifecycle, contributing to building a domestic circular renewables economy and reducing foreign dependence.

Environmental and technical studies

We conduct a series of studies that ensure our projects are thoughtfully and responsibly designed, including but not limited to:

  • Avian use surveys
  • Eagle use surveys
  • Raptor nest surveys
  • Grouse lek surveys
  • Bat habitat assessment and surveys
  • Cultural resource surveys

Contact us

We appreciate your interest in AES’ Belleville Landfill Project. Please contact us using the information below.