Ameren Missouri plans new energy center to deliver long-term value and around-the-clock power
Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation, has announced plans to build the West Alton Energy Center, a new combined-cycle natural gas facility. It is designed to provide reliable, around-the-clock baseload power for customers while keeping costs as low as possible, supporting economic development in the region and strengthening the company's balanced mix of energy.
In an application filed with the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC), Ameren Missouri laid out details of the proposed energy center, which will ensure grid reliability as the economy grows and other energy generation facilities reach the end of their useful lives. The plans for West Alton include generating approximately 2,100 megawatts (MW) of electricity, with an anticipated completion date of 2031, pending regulatory approval. It is expected to provide more than 1,000 construction jobs over several years.
"Customers count on reliable energy to keep their homes comfortable, care for their families, run their businesses and stay connected to the things that matter most," said Aaron Melda, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. "The West Alton Energy Center is one way we're preparing for Missouri's future and supporting the growing needs of our communities. Missouri has seen incredible economic development wins over the past year, and we're pleased to support this growth."
State law and the company's Powering Missouri Growth Plan include provisions to make sure data centers cover the costs of the infrastructure needed to serve them, protecting existing customers while providing reliable service for all.
Adding 2,100 MW of always-on generation will further improve reliability and contribute to Ameren Missouri's balanced generation mix, which is designed to optimize costs over the long term. The West Alton Energy Center will also strengthen Missouri's energy security by supplying dependable, in-state generation to serve homes, businesses and growing communities across the state.
"Projects such as the West Alton Energy Center are designed to perform under a wide range of conditions and periods of high demand," said Ajay Arora, executive vice president and chief growth and generation development officer at Ameren Missouri. "As our generation fleet evolves, this facility will add a highly efficient, Missouri-based resource that can operate 24/7 and work alongside our other resources to help maintain reliability for our customers."
The West Alton Energy Center will be built next to Ameren Missouri's Sioux Energy Center, where the company can utilize equipment and connections already on site. Doing more in one location means maximizing existing resources and more value for customers.
"Families and businesses are balancing competing priorities every day, which is why we're focused on making smart investments, controlling project costs and getting the most value from every dollar," Melda said.
Ameren Missouri's plan is designed to keep costs as low as possible for customers and recommends a financing approach that a 2024 analysis by the State of Missouri found lowers project costs by millions of dollars.
"When companies decide where to expand and create jobs, they need to know the infrastructure is in place to back their growth," Melda said. "Investments such as the West Alton Energy Center help ensure Missouri is ready for those opportunities while continuing to serve the people and businesses that already call our state home. We're committed to making those investments thoughtfully and with careful attention to costs, and the MoPSC will provide oversight throughout the process."
The project is included in Ameren Missouri's long-term energy planning process and is designed to complement the company's investments in other generation resources, and grid modernization that supports long-term customer value.
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