Ameren Missouri files 2026 IRP targeting 1,200 MW of new nuclear by 2040
Preferred plan adds 2,100 MW of combined-cycle gas by 2031 and 2,400 MW of battery storage by 2030.
Key facts
- Load growth forecast at 2.9 to 3.9 GW by 2030, rising to 6 to 9 GW by 2045
- Retirement of two Labadie coal units pushed to 2042 from 2036
- 1,800 MW of natural gas-fired energy centers to retire by 2040
- Callaway license extension sought beyond its 2044 expiration, per Ameren
- 1,300 MW of solar added by 2030, a further 1,050 MW by 2035
Union Electric Company, doing business as Ameren Missouri, filed its non-binding 2026 integrated resource plan with the Missouri Public Service Commission on September 28, according to an 8-K filing. The plan sets out the utility's preferred portfolio for meeting projected long-term customer energy needs at least cost.
The plan cites forecasted energy demand growth assumptions for the preferred plan and high load growth scenarios ranging from approximately 2.9 to 3.9 GW by 2030, 5 to 6 GW by 2035 and 6 to 9 GW by 2045.
Ameren Missouri adds 1,200 MW of new nuclear generation by 2040. It expects to seek and receive NRC approval to extend the operating license of the Callaway nuclear energy center beyond its current 2044 expiration date. Two units at the Labadie coal-fired energy center would run to 2042, past their 2036 retirement date. The plan retires approximately 1,800 MW of natural gas-fired energy centers by 2040.
The plan adds 1,900 MW of simple-cycle natural gas generation by 2029 and another 2,400 MW by 2045. Combined-cycle gas additions are 2,100 MW by 2031, 2,800 MW by 2035 and 1,400 MW by 2042. Natural gas fuel cells add 500 MW by 2030.
Solar additions are 1,300 MW by 2030 and 1,050 MW by 2035. Wind adds 1,500 MW by 2040 and battery energy storage 2,400 MW by 2030. Ameren Missouri continues to implement customer energy efficiency and demand response programs.