Decatur, Illinois, is now home to the state's latest stride in green tech and job creation: the Clean Energy Innovation Hub, unveiled by Governor JB Pritzker alongside TCCI Manufacturing. The hub is a $45 million investment aimed at enhancing North America's supply chain through domestic manufacturing of electric vehicle (EV) parts while providing new employment and educational opportunities.
In a partnership that exemplifies a unified effort, over $20 million was invested by TCCI to upgrade their Decatur facility, creating 50 jobs in the process. The move has been welcomed by both environmental and economic growth advocates, with the hub being the first beneficiary of Illinois' Reimagining Energy and Vehicles incentive program. According to an Illinois Government press release, Governor Pritzker remarked, "We are building an engine of opportunity. That starts with strategic projects like the Clean Energy Innovation Hub."
The hub encapsulates three significant components: TCCI's EV compressor production line, the Clean Energy Workforce Academy, and the Climatic Center for Innovation & Research. Set to begin operations in the fall, the Workforce Academy is a collaboration with regional education institutions, providing immersive learning experiences. TCCI's president, Richard Demirjian, acknowledged the opening as "a pivotal step forward in Illinois' clean energy leadership" in the aforementioned press release.
More than just a manufacturing site, the hub's educational aspect includes a curriculum charting a path from high school to industry certifications in partnership with Richland Community College. This approach aims to prepare a skilled workforce to meet Illinois' clean energy goals. The Illinois EPA has bolstered this initiative with a $650,000 matching grant aiming to expand the hub's reach, specifically enhancing the Climatic Center for Innovation & Research. According to DCEO Director Kristin Richards in a statement from the same press release, the project illustrates "Illinois' commitment to clean energy and workforce readiness."
Illinois is setting a precedent with ambitions for 1 million EVs on state roads by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The hub reflects widespread efforts, including investments by other clean tech firms such as Rivian and Bedrock Materials. Collective endeavors are signaling a robust pivot towards a sustainable and localized supply chain as underlined by Ymer Technology's President Björn Afzelius who said, "With forward-thinking policy, world-class talent, and partners like TCCI, Illinois is ensuring the next generation of EV systems is built right here in the U.S." as recounted by the Illinois Government press release.
