Citing steep transmission costs, Ameren Missouri has mutually agreed with EDF Renewables to terminate the development of a wind facility in northwest Missouri.
The project, located in Atchison County and developed by EDF, was expected to total up to 157 MW.
“Significant upgrades would have been required on the transmission system to accommodate this project, leading to unacceptably high costs,” explains Michael Moehn, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. “While we’re focused on incorporating more renewable energy, we also have to be good financial stewards for our customers, who trust us to provide safe, reliable energy while keeping rates stable and predictable. While it is disappointing we will not be moving forward with this project, we remain focused on seeing our other, larger projects through to the finish line.”
Ameren Missouri says it remains “strongly committed” to meeting its goal of owning at least 700 MW of new wind generation by the end of 2020, with two Missouri-based projects under agreement to build:
- An up-to 400 MW facility in Adair and Schuyler counties. A certificate of convenience and necessity (CCN) has been approved by Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC).
- An up-to 300 MW facility in Atchison County. CCN approval is pending from PSC.
Moehn says Ameren Missouri is pleased to have received the third and final phase of the expected regional transmission organization interconnection costs for both projects, which were in line with expectations. Final interconnection agreements are expected this fall.
In addition to its wind expansion, Ameren Missouri plans to add 50 MW of solar generation by 2025, with a total increase of 100 MW of solar generation by 2027. The company also plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 35% by 2030, 50% by 2040 and 80% by 2050, based on 2005 levels. Ameren Missouri also plans to retire more than half of its coal-fired generation capacity in the next 20 years, beginning with the Meramec Energy Center in 2022.
Ameren Missouri serves 1.2 million electric and 127,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company’s service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area.
