Ameren unveils new hybrid energy center combining natural gas and energy storage to supply reliable energy when Missouri needs it most – PR Newswire

Ameren Missouri Advances Sustainable Energy Infrastructure with Big Hollow Energy Center

Introduction

On June 27, 2025, Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE), announced a significant step forward in its generation investment plan aimed at enhancing energy reliability for customers. The company filed an application with the Missouri Public Service Commission for the construction of the Big Hollow Energy Center in Jefferson County, Missouri. This innovative project integrates an 800-megawatt (MW) simple-cycle natural gas energy center with Ameren Missouri’s first large-scale battery storage facility, designed to meet increased energy demands efficiently while ensuring grid resiliency.

Project Overview and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment

1. Energy Reliability and Resilience
   • The Big Hollow Energy Center will provide reliable energy during peak demand periods, including extreme weather conditions, supporting SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
   • The natural gas facility will act as a dependable backup source when renewable energy generation is unavailable, contributing to a balanced and resilient energy portfolio.
2. Large-Scale Battery Storage
   • The project includes a 400-MW lithium-ion battery storage system capable of rapid response to energy needs, enhancing grid stability and supporting SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
   • Battery storage will be charged during periods of excess energy, promoting efficient energy use and reducing waste.
   • Ameren Missouri plans to accelerate battery storage capacity to 1,000 MW by 2030 and 1,800 MW by 2042, further advancing sustainable energy infrastructure.
3. Economic and Community Impact
   • The project will create jobs and stimulate local economic growth, aligning with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
   • Collaboration with Jefferson County leaders ensures community benefits, including support for local schools and first responders.
4. Environmental Considerations
   • Utilizing existing Ameren-owned land and infrastructure reduces construction time and costs, minimizing environmental disruption and supporting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
   • The balanced energy mix supports the transition to cleaner energy sources while maintaining reliability.

Statements from Leadership and Community Partners

• Mark Birk, Chairman and President of Ameren Missouri, emphasized the strategic investment in energy infrastructure to serve customers reliably while preparing for future demand increases.
• Ajay Arora, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, highlighted the importance of a balanced and strategically located generation portfolio to maximize energy output.
• Rob Dixon, Senior Director of Economic, Community and Business Development, noted the project’s positive impact on the Jefferson County community through job creation and support for local institutions.
• Dennis Gannon, Jefferson County Executive, welcomed the project as a commitment to the county’s future economic strength and community progress.
• David Haug, Ed.D., Superintendent of the Jefferson R-VII School District, expressed appreciation for Ameren Missouri’s partnership and communication regarding energy center transitions.

Project Timeline and Operational Details

• Pending regulatory approval, the Big Hollow Energy Center is expected to be operational by 2028.
• The natural gas facility will provide energy during peak demand periods such as the coldest winter days and hottest summer afternoons.
• The battery storage system will operate independently but complement the natural gas facility to enhance grid reliability.

About Ameren Missouri

Ameren Missouri has been serving central and eastern Missouri for over 100 years, providing electric and gas services to approximately 1.3 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers across 60 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. The company is committed to powering the quality of life while advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

The announcement contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially. Factors include regulatory changes, cost control, technology developments, environmental policies, market conditions, and geopolitical events. Ameren Missouri undertakes no obligation to update these statements except as required by law.

Conclusion

The Big Hollow Energy Center represents a strategic investment in sustainable energy infrastructure that aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including affordable and clean energy, economic growth, innovation, and sustainable communities. Through this project, Ameren Missouri demonstrates its commitment to reliable, resilient, and responsible energy solutions that benefit customers and communities alike.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses the construction of a new energy center combining natural gas and large-scale battery storage to provide reliable energy and support grid resiliency.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The project is expected to create jobs and contribute to economic growth in Jefferson County and surrounding areas.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The investment in new energy infrastructure, including battery storage technology, reflects innovation and industrial development.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The project supports community development by providing reliable energy and partnering with local schools and first responders.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The inclusion of battery storage and a balanced energy generation portfolio supports efforts to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (implied through battery storage supporting renewables).
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency (battery storage improves grid efficiency and reliability).
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management (implied by cleaner energy solutions).
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (implied by transition to balanced generation and battery storage).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Indicator 7.1.1: Proportion of population with access to electricity (implied by powering thousands of homes).
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption (implied through battery storage supporting renewables).
   • Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP (implied by efficiency improvements with battery storage).
2. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with disabilities (implied by job creation).
   • Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person (implied by economic growth and productivity).
3. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road (infrastructure access implied).
   • Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP (implied by investment in new technologies like battery storage).
4. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in cities (implied by cleaner energy generation reducing pollution).
5. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year (implied by transition to balanced generation and energy storage reducing emissions).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: prnewswire.com