Ameren Missouri to add 700 MW of wind by 2020

Ameren Missouri, part of US utility Ameren Corp (NYSE:AEE), on Monday unveiled a plan to add at least 700 MW of wind generation by the end of the decade.

This would require an investment of about USD 1 billion (EUR 842m), the company said in a statement, adding that even more wind capacity could be deployed in the coming years. The new wind parks will be built in Missouri and neighboring states, and will be using locally-manufactured turbines. The location and exact cost, however, are yet to be determined.

At the same time, Ameren Missouri intends to add 100 MW of solar generation over the next 10 years, including 50 MW by 2025. The company noted that planning is underway on two projects.

Ameren Missouri has also set an objective of reducing its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions 35% by 2030, 50% by 2040 and 80% by 2050 from the 2005 level. In order to achieve that, the company intends to retire more than half of its coal-fired generating capacity and move towards a smart energy grid that can support more renewable energy.

These announcements come as Ameren Missouri filed its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with the Missouri Public Service Commission today. The plan is consistent with Missouri's Renewable Energy Standard, the company said.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.842)

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