Missouri approves first-of-its kind resource to boost energy reliability

Core Insights - Ameren Missouri has received approval for the Big Hollow Energy Center, a hybrid energy facility aimed at enhancing energy reliability across Missouri, featuring an 800-megawatt natural gas plant and a 400-megawatt lithium-ion battery system [1] Group 1: Project Overview - The Big Hollow Energy Center will be the first integrated natural gas and battery storage facility in Missouri, designed to provide rapid-response backup power during peak demand periods [1] - The facility is expected to be operational by 2028 and will support reliable electric service for residential, small business, and industrial customers [1] Group 2: Capacity and Technology - The natural gas component will deliver energy during extreme weather conditions and peak demand, while the battery storage will respond quickly to energy needs, potentially powering thousands of homes for hours [1] - Ameren Missouri plans to expand its battery storage capacity to 1,000 megawatts by 2030 and a total of 1,800 megawatts by 2042 across multiple sites [1] Group 3: Strategic Importance - The project is part of Ameren Missouri's strategy to meet growing energy demand while maintaining grid reliability, combining natural gas generation with battery storage for enhanced flexibility and resilience [1] - The integration of these technologies is expected to reduce construction time and costs by leveraging existing infrastructure [1]