Ameren Missouri to acquire new wind facility in northwest Missouri
Ameren Missouri announced Monday that it signed an agreement to acquire, after construction, a wind generation facility of up to 157 megawatts (MW) to be developed by EDF Renewables North America in Atchison County in northwest Missouri.
“Our transition to cleaner forms of generation is building momentum,” Michael Moehn, president of Ameren Missouri, said. “Investing in renewable generation, with the majority in Missouri, benefits our customers and the communities we serve by keeping rates steady and increasing economic activity.”
Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation, previously announced the planned addition of a 400 MW wind generation facility in northeast Missouri. The planned projects will create approximately 280 jobs at peak construction, along with several permanent jobs once the turbines are in service.
This week’s announcement is a major step toward implementation of the company’s Integrated Resource Plan, which is consistent with Missouri’s Renewable Energy Standard. The plan includes approximately $1 billion in planned investments in wind generation projects in Missouri and neighboring states, which will result in at least 700 MW of new wind energy by 2020. The company has also set a goal of reducing carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050, based on 2005 levels.
“Between the substantial improvements in the wind turbine technology, and declining prices, it makes a lot of sense for us to be making this significant investment,” Ajay Arora, vice president of power operations and energy management at Ameren Missouri, said. “As we grow renewable energy, we’re also preparing smart technology upgrades for the state’s energy grid. Combined, they will create long-lasting, positive impacts for our customers.”
The two wind facility transactions are subject to several conditions, including approval from the Missouri Public Service Commission and obtaining a timely and acceptable transmission interconnection agreement from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator.
