Ameren Missouri Proposes 800-MW Simple-Cycle Natural Gas Energy Center with Battery Storage

Strategic Insights -

Ameren Missouri, a Missouri-based investor-owned utility, has submitted an application to the Missouri Public Service Commission for the construction of an 800-megawatt simple-cycle natural gas energy center and a large-scale battery storage facility in Jefferson County, Missouri. The energy center is designed to provide reliable backup power during peak demand periods, including cold winter days, hot summer afternoons, and times when renewable energy is unavailable. The accompanying battery storage facility will have a capacity of 400 MW and will be ready to support customers' energy needs in moments. This project is part of Ameren Missouri's broader plan to accelerate its battery storage capacity, with a total of 1,000 MW expected by 2030 and 1,800 MW by 2042.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed energy center will have a capacity of 800 MW, with the natural gas portion designed to deliver energy during peak demand periods.
  • The battery storage facility will have a capacity of 400 MW and will be ready to support customers' energy needs in moments.
  • The energy center and battery storage facilities will operate independently while taking advantage of existing energy infrastructure, reducing construction time and cost to customers.
  • The identified site has existing infrastructure and transmission line access, reducing overall construction time.
  • The project is part of Ameren Missouri's broader plan to accelerate its battery storage capacity, with 1,000 MW expected by 2030 and 1,800 MW by 2042.
  • The energy center will be ready to serve as a reliable backup source of energy for customers in 2028, pending timely regulatory approval.
  • The proposed energy center will be designed to complement the grid by providing backup power during periods of renewable energy generation unavailability.

Statistics:

  • 800 MW: proposed capacity of the simple-cycle natural gas energy center
  • 400 MW: capacity of the large-scale lithium-ion battery storage facility
  • 1,000 MW: total battery storage capacity expected by 2030
  • 1,800 MW: total battery storage capacity expected by 2042
  • 2028: target year for the energy center to be ready to serve as a reliable backup source of energy for customers, pending timely regulatory approval
  • 2030: target year for 1,000 MW of battery storage capacity
  • 2042: target year for 1,800 MW of battery storage capacity

Sources:

  • American Public Power Association
  • Ameren Missouri