Ameren acquires its first Missouri wind energy center

The first of two planned investments in Missouri-based wind generation has closed for Ameren Missouri with its acquisition of High Prairie Renewable Energy Center.

Located in northeast Missouri, High Prairie Renewable is a 400-megawatt project in Adair and Schuyler counties, and will 700 MW of clean energy to the grid, according to a new release from Ameren.

“This is just the beginning, as Ameren Missouri lays the foundation for a transformational advancement toward more renewable wind and solar generation in the coming years, cutting carbon emissions and driving job creation and economic growth,” Marty Lyons, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri said. “Expanding Missouri-based wind energy generation helps us move toward our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

The High Prairie Renewable Energy Center is the first of many renewable energy additions anticipated by Ameren Missouri. The company recently released plans to invest approximately $4.5 billion in 3,100 MW of renewable generation by 2030. This includes $1.2 billion for the planned acquisitions of this energy center and a 300 MW energy center in Atchison County, Missouri.

“All of our customers, no matter where they live, are benefitting from additional clean energy on the grid as a result of this acquisition,” Chief Renewable Development Officer, Ajay Arora, said. “These turbines use some of the latest technology that harnesses more wind at an affordable price. It’s also very gratifying to see this project built in our state, where families will receive a host of economic benefits for years to come.”

The energy center consists of 175 wind turbines that are among the most technologically advanced in the state. Ameren Missouri anticipates the energy center will produce enough energy to power the equivalent of 120,000 homes in 2021.