Incentive deal for proposed Rockford data center shows possible development timeline
Public records reveal a timeline for Monarch Energy's "Rock Air" data center project in Rockford, Illinois, following the approval of state tax incentives. The 1400-megawatt facility must invest at least $250 million and create 100 jobs by 2031 to qualify for the incentives, which were approved shortly before Governor JB Pritzker froze the program.
A new timeline has emerged for Monarch Energy's "Rock Air" data center project in Rockford, Illinois, following the approval of state tax incentives. Public records indicate that the State of Illinois approved a 28-page incentive agreement for the planned 1400-megawatt phased data center, designed to support large-scale digital infrastructure and high-capacity IT operations.
Under the terms of the agreement, Monarch Energy must invest a minimum of $250 million and create at least 100 jobs, with hiring expected between 2028 and 2031. The facility is required to open by 2031 to qualify for these incentives. The approval of this incentive deal occurred approximately two weeks before Governor JB Pritzker reportedly froze the program. Monarch Energy has not yet responded to requests for comment.