Why It Matters
Ameren is expanding battery energy storage in Missouri as the utility prepares for electricity demand from artificial intelligence data centers and the retirement of coal plants. The Missouri Public Service Commission approved three battery systems and two large-scale solar plants.
What Happened
The approved battery facilities are the first of their kind approved in Missouri. Regulators authorized battery projects in St. Louis County and Lincoln County, along with a solar facility in Stoddard County.
Ameren is also preparing a solar plant and battery system in Audrain County. The utility named the battery project “Huck Finn” and the solar project “Tom Sawyer.” The battery system will occupy 22 acres, while the solar project will use 1,200 acres of agricultural land.
Scott Wibbenmeyer, Ameren’s director of renewable development, said the facilities would help replace electricity from retired coal plants and serve growing data-center demand. “They’re really critical for us to meet the reliability and energy needs of the state … as we look long-term into the growth in the state, the region and replacing our aging infrastructure … these two facilities work together to really meet that energy need,” Wibbenmeyer said.
Missouri residents raised safety concerns about large-scale batteries. Ameren plans to install large water tanks at the battery facility site for local fire departments.
Audrain County Commissioner Alan Winders said the battery infrastructure would not be locally taxed. “It will be state assessed and our taxing jurisdictions will realize very little – very, very, very little – revenue from it,” Winders said.
The Audrain County project did not require local government approval. Revenue from the solar plant will be divided among local taxing jurisdictions, with the Van-Far R-1 School District receiving the largest share.
By the Numbers
Three more battery systems — approved for Ameren by the Missouri Public Service Commission
Two large-scale solar power plants — included in Ameren’s approved plans
545 megawatts — approved battery capacity
400 megawatts — approved solar generation capacity
22 acres — land area for the “Huck Finn” battery system
1,200 acres — agricultural land for the “Tom Sawyer” solar project
60% — projected increase in Ameren’s energy needs from data-center demand
Zoom Out
Ameren predicts electricity demand from data centers will increase its energy needs by roughly 60%. Geoff Marke said the facilities are needed to meet projected data-center load, while also arguing that residential Missouri customers should not bear the costs of power plants serving hyperscale data centers.
Ameren cited Senate Bill 4 in connection with Missouri data-center legislation. A public hearing was held in July in Vandalia, where residents raised questions about the projects and battery safety.
What’s Next
Ameren is preparing construction of the Audrain County solar plant and battery system. The costs associated with the facilities will be addressed in a future rate case before the Missouri Public Service Commission.