Ameren Missouri Proposes Plan for Solar Panels at Lambert Airport
Ameren Missouri announced plans last week to build a new solar generation facility at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, which would generate up to one megawatt (MW) of solar energy through the company’s Community Solar Program.
“What better way to showcase that we’re a progressive region committed to finding innovative solutions to energy generation than by placing a large solar field at the airport,” Mike Mueller, vice president of economic and technology development at Ameren, said. “Ameren Missouri continues to lead the way by investing in more clean energy delivered reliably and affordably to our customers.”
Pending approval of the plan by city officials and state regulators, Ameren Missouri customers will be able to sign-up for 100 kilowatt-hour blocks of solar generation capacity once the subscription period opens later this year. Customers will be able to sign up for the equivalent of up to half of their average electric usage based on the previous 12 months’ usage.
A limited number of blocks will be available at a price that is still to be determined. Once all the available blocks have been subscribed, construction on the project will begin. Solar generation could begin as early as next spring.
The solar panels would be located in the open land near the airport where pilots taking off or coming in for a landing could not see them and be positioned away from runways.
“We’re proud to be a part of this proposed project because St. Louis Lambert International Airport is heavily focused on impactful, environmentally sustainable projects and this is another positive piece that aligns with our mission,” Airport Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge said.
Ameren Missouri is aiming to add 500 MWs of new renewable energy generation. The company recently launched another solar program for businesses that want to host solar generation on their property and currently operates the 5.7-MW O’Fallon Renewable Energy Center.
