Core Points - Ameren Missouri is advancing its generation investment plan by filing an application for the construction of an 800-megawatt natural gas energy center and a large-scale battery storage facility in Jefferson County, Missouri [1][3] - The Big Hollow Energy Center aims to enhance energy reliability and meet increased energy demands while ensuring grid resiliency [1][2] - The project is expected to create significant investment and job opportunities in the community, with the energy center projected to be operational by 2028 [3][4] Investment and Infrastructure - The Big Hollow Energy Center will feature a 400-megawatt lithium-ion battery installation, which can provide backup power during peak energy needs and improve overall grid reliability [4][5] - Ameren Missouri plans to accelerate its battery storage capacity to a total of 1,000 megawatts by 2030 and 1,800 megawatts by 2042 [4] - The natural gas and battery storage facilities will operate independently but will utilize existing infrastructure, reducing construction time and costs [5][6] Community Impact - The project is expected to support local economic development, including contributions to the Jefferson R-VII School District and local first responders [7] - Community leaders express strong support for the Big Hollow Energy Center, viewing it as a commitment to the future of Jefferson County [7][8] - The closure of the Rush Island Energy Center in October 2024 has been addressed by Ameren Missouri, ensuring continued partnership with the community [8]

Key Takeaways The Southern Company offers higher dividends, lower debt and better valuation than Vistra. VST's earnings and sales growth estimates outpace SO's, supported by nuclear and clean hydrogen projects. Vistra and The Southern Company continue to add new clean energy generation assets to their portfolio.The companies operating in the Zacks Utility -Electric Power industry offer a compelling opportunity due to their stable cash flows and regulated business models. Domestic-focused utilities typical ...

Key Takeaways NEE is benefiting from early investments in wind, solar and battery storage technologies. NEE uses more renewable assets to produce electricity and avoid the volatile fossil fuel market. NEE has nearly 28 GW of renewable projects in backlog and adds more renewable projects to its portfolio.NextEra Energy (NEE) is well-positioned in the renewable energy business, owing to early and aggressive investments in wind, solar and battery storage technologies. As the companies in the Zacks Utility - ...

Power lines in California. Getty ImagesMeta, the company that owns Facebook, are planning a new AI data center, the company’s largest yet, in Richland Parish, Louisiana. The local utility company, Entergy, has plans to build three new gas-fired power plants to supply the additional electricity needed for the data center.Also reported last week was that Meta got some pushback from a U.S. Senator, who challenged the benefits of using natural gas to power the new data canter.The new data center is an enormous ...