Energy

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Discovering Bats - Nighttime Superheroes!

July 21, 2026

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Union

Blog Posts

Conserve energy and reduce your bills

January 28, 2026

With cold weather settling in, you may notice your energy costs rising as you try to stay warm. Seasonal temperature changes can have a big impact on...

Significance of snow

January 14, 2025

During the holiday season, many hope for a white Christmas, and kids love to make snow angels while they are on school break. In Bloomington, Ill.,...

Renewable energy offers benefits for our future

October 10, 2024

When I was growing up in St. Louis, crossing the Mississippi River in Alton was always my cue that we were almost home from a long road trip. ...

Exploring the Potential of Agrivoltaics

October 10, 2024

One of the most exciting projects Illinois Extension is involved in is the SCAPES project — Sustainably Co...

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News Releases

March 31, 2026

Illinois team tests the costs, benefits of agrivoltaics across the Midwest
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — In a world where increasing demands for food security and energy strain existing resources, scientists are looking for new ways to maximize both. One potential option, agrivoltaics, integrates solar photovoltaics with crops. A new study examines the agricultural and economic...

A child puts batteries into a glass container with other batteries

February 5, 2026

Know before you throw, new law expands free battery recycling options
URBANA, Ill. — After years of powering remotes, children’s toys, and other household devices, the final destination for used batteries is usually the junk drawer. Or worse, it is tossed in the trash can. Now,...

May 1, 2025

Illinois research shows benefits of prairie grass for sustainable aviation fuel
Switchgrass has gripped Midwestern soils for millions of years, but soon, the earthbound prairie grass could fly. New studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign identify economic and environmental considerations that make switchgrass a candidate...

August 19, 2025

Don’t be in the dark when it comes to power grid resiliency in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — Power is readily available at the flick of a switch, but what does it take to make that happen now and in the future for everyone? This September, representatives from the Union of Concerned Scientists will join University of Illinois Extension...

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Videos

Organic Waste to Renewable Energy

Learn about the fascinating process of turning organic waste into energy!

Join University of Illinois Extension Environmental Quality Specialist Dr. Ashley Belle as she explains all about the process of turning organic waste into renewable energy in this info-packed Wilderness Wednesday...

More than Energy Independence: Using community benefits to promote local economic development

Your community is not at the whim of renewable energy developers. Companies that want to build in your area are often obligated to partner with you to provide economic and community development benefits. Learn more about these Community Benefits programs and how you can make sure renewable...