Ameren Missouri earns regulatory approval for 400 MW solar project

Regulators recently approved Ameren Missouri’s largest solar investment to date, keying up the build-out or acquisition of approximately 400 MW of solar energy in upcoming years.

This will rollout in three parts: one project will enter service next year, with two more to follow in 2026. Next year’s project will be the 50 MW Vandalia Renewable Energy Center in Vandalia, Missouri, which Ameren Missouri will develop itself. Another self-developed 50 MW project known as Bowling Green Renewable Energy Center will follow the year after, along with the 300 MW Split Rail Solar project based in Warren County. That latter project will be acquired from Invenergy.

Once all three are complete, Ameren Missouri predicts enough power generated to supply approximately 73,000 homes.

“Thoughtfully integrating these new, low-cost energy sources with our existing generation fleet is one of the ways Ameren Missouri is providing our customers with the reliable, resilient and affordable energy they expect,” Mark Birk, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri, said.

Ameren will capitalize on tax credits for these projects to reduce overall costs and keep rates lower than they otherwise would be. On top of this, the company now hosts a subscription-based endeavor known as the Renewable Solutions Program that allows businesses to replace up to 100 percent of their total energy use with renewable resources. Credits are dispensed, allowing the various participants to benefit without self-maintenance.

A fourth solar facility could soon be under way if Ameren Missouri secures a full set of subscribers under the Renewable Solutions Program. While terms of the agreement remain confidential, the Missouri Public Service Commission set out the path for a 150 MW project in Cass County, Illinois.