Ameren Missouri has announced the development of the Reform Renewable Energy Center, a 250-megawatt (MW) solar plant expected to be operational in 2028. The project will be located adjacent to the Callaway Energy Center, a nuclear facility owned by the company in central Missouri. An approval request has been submitted to the Missouri Public Service Commission, with construction scheduled to begin next year pending regulatory clearance.
A strategic location to optimise costs
The company already owns the land for the solar plant as well as the infrastructure needed for grid interconnection. This setup is expected to significantly reduce construction timelines and related interconnection costs. Ameren Missouri also plans to benefit from tax incentives, as the site is located in a designated “energy community.”
The project is expected to generate about 300 temporary jobs during the construction phase, along with several permanent positions for maintenance and operations. It forms part of a broader strategy aimed at maintaining a balanced energy mix of 70% dispatchable and 30% intermittent sources, according to company statements.
Storage capacity planned to increase flexibility
The Reform Renewable Energy Center site could eventually host up to 250 MW of battery storage capacity. Ameren Missouri is considering filing a separate request for this extension, which would allow excess energy generated during low-demand periods to be stored and redistributed during peak consumption.
Alongside this project, Ameren Missouri is developing other facilities to strengthen grid reliability. The Castle Bluff Energy Center, scheduled for 2027, will provide backup supply during periods of high demand. In addition, the Big Hollow Energy Center, still awaiting approval, will be the company’s first hybrid facility combining natural gas and battery storage, with commissioning expected in 2028.
More than 400 MW of solar under construction
Four solar projects, totalling more than 400 MW, are currently under construction and are expected to be operational by the end of next year. They will join the three solar sites commissioned at the end of 2024, collectively generating enough electricity to power 92,000 homes annually. These developments reflect Ameren Missouri’s focus on ensuring stable and competitive energy supply for its customer base.
