Ameren Missouri, EDF Renewables agree to terminate development of up-to 157 megawatt Missouri wind facility

Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation, recently announced that it mutually agreed with EDF Renewables, Inc. to terminate the development of an up-to 157 megawatt (MW) wind facility in Atchison County, Mo.

“Significant upgrades would have been required on the transmission system to accommodate this project, leading to unacceptably high costs,” Michael Moehn, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri, said. “While we’re focused on incorporating more renewable energy, we also have to be good financial stewards for our customers, who trust us to provide safe, reliable energy while keeping rates stable and predictable. While it is disappointing we will not be moving forward with this project, we remain focused on seeing our other, larger projects through to the finish line.”

Ameren Missouri noted that it is still committed to meeting its goal of owning at least 700 MW of new wind generation by the end of 2020.

The company has two Missouri-based projects under an agreement to build, which together represent an investment of approximately $1.2 billion. The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) for an up-to 400 MW facility in Adair and Schuyler counties. CCN approval for an up-to 300 MW facility in Atchison County is pending.

Moehn noted that Ameren Missouri has received the third and final phase of the expected regional transmission organization interconnection costs for both projects, which were in-line with expectations. The company expects final interconnection agreements this Fall.