Missouri pushes nuclear power to reduce reliance on out-of-state electricity
Missouri’s new state energy plan prioritizes nuclear power, expanded transmission and redevelopment of former power sites to reduce the state’s reliance on imported electricity. Officials say rising demand from artificial intelligence data centers is increasing the need for reliable, around-the-clock generation, while Ameren Missouri is evaluating additional nuclear facilities for possible development around 2040.
Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources has released an energy plan focused on expanding nuclear generation, increasing transmission capacity and reusing former power plants and industrial sites. Gov. Mike Kehoe said the plan is intended to reduce Missouri’s dependence on electricity imported from other states and improve grid reliability as existing plants retire.
The plan projects that electricity demand will rise sharply, in part because of artificial intelligence data centers developing in the Kansas City corridor and along Interstates 70 and 44. DNR Director Jake Buxton said nuclear power is the leading option for providing dispatchable, low-emissions electricity, while lawmakers continue to debate how to finance new multibillion-dollar plants.
Ameren Missouri operates the state’s only commercial nuclear facility in Callaway County. Chief Generation Development Officer Ajay Arora said the utility is assessing large and small modular reactors and could add nuclear facilities around 2040. The article also notes that two data center projects in Montgomery County have generated varying levels of community concern.