Ameren Missouri announces that its next two solar energy generation sites include its first large-scale solar installations in north St. Louis city and Jefferson County. The announcement comes shortly after Ameren Missouri announced plans to acquire its largest-ever solar facility.
“These next two sites were chosen for the positive impact they'll provide for decades to come,” said Mark Birk, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri.
“In addition to producing clean energy, they will also provide jobs and important apprenticeships for underserved communities to learn about the ever-expanding field of clean energy installation."
Utilize diverse suppliers
Cumulatively, Ameren Missouri’s two new solar energy canopies will utilize nearly 1,200 solar panels and span an area approximately the size of approximately two football fields.
These two installations, which are the latest locations in the company's Neighborhood Solar program, will utilize diverse suppliers for design and construction, creating more than a dozen jobs.
Several pre-apprentices from diverse local communities will be involved in construction, giving them hands-on experience in the growing solar installation industry.
Powering approximately 55 homes
Ameren anticipates these solar energy sites will generate clean energy powering approximately 55 homes
Ameren Missouri anticipates these solar energy sites will begin generating enough clean energy to power approximately 55 homes by the end of 2023.
The north St. Louis site will be at Interstate 70 and Union Boulevard at Ameren Missouri’s North Metro Operating Center.
The Jefferson County site will be at Ameren Missouri’s Jefferson District Operating Center in House Springs.
Neighborhood Solar program
As part of its Neighborhood Solar program, Ameren Missouri is partnering with organizations across the state to install and maintain solar arrays on their parking lots, enabling organizations to participate in generating clean energy without any cost to them.
These locations are helping Ameren Missouri grow clean energy generation across the state as part of the company’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2045.
Smart Energy Plan
To date, Ameren Missouri has completed more than 2,000 Smart Energy Plan projects
Increased solar generation is a pillar in Ameren Missouri’s Smart Energy Plan to deliver clean, reliable energy.
The Smart Energy Plan includes investments in new power lines, stronger poles, upgraded substations, and more smart technology to minimize outages and reduce the duration when an outage does occur.
To date, Ameren Missouri has completed more than 2,000 Smart Energy Plan projects.
Authority comment
“Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan is enhancing reliability and providing smarter energy infrastructure throughout the state,” added Birk.
“We are already hearing from customers that our investments in clean and reliable energy, along with a competitive economic development incentive, are boosting economic development because businesses can operate more efficiently and expand more rapidly.”