Regulators approve 150 MW solar facility for Ameren Missouri

Ameren Missouri’s acquisition of a 150 megawatt (MW) solar facility in White County, Illinois was greenlit by the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC) this week, to bolster its clean energy offerings once the new site is completed next year. 

This adds to the clean energy in Ameren Missouri’s pipeline, following approval of another acquisition earlier this year, which will put the 200 MW Huck Finn solar installation in central Missouri in the mix. Total, the company intends to add 2,800 MW of new renewable generation by 2030, and the White County facility marked its 10th solar addition in that regard. 

“We continue to work with developers and other stakeholders on additional renewable energy generation projects to ensure a continued supply of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy is available to meet our customers’ needs,” Ajay Arora, chief renewable development officer at Ameren, said.

In this case, the latest solar facility will also be used to support the Renewable Solutions program. That program allows participants to contribute a portion of the costs of the facility, even though the facility will help provide energy to all Ameren Missouri customers. In exchange, participants will gain renewable energy credits, allowing them to fulfill renewable energy goals without ending their own actual emissions. In all, 10 organizations currently participate in the Renewable Solutions program, including Emerson, General Motors, Mastercard and Walmart.

“Thanks to the commitment of these 10 organizations, all customers will benefit from the additional renewable energy the facility provides,” Mark Birk, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri, said. “The Renewable Solutions program is one of the creative, innovative partnerships we’re pursuing to support our renewable energy efforts and serve our customers’ needs while maintaining the energy reliability and resiliency our customers expect.”

Acquisition of the White County facility will still be subject to customer closing conditions, but could begin generating energy late next year.