Missouri Energy Plan Promotes Nuclear Power as Data Center Demand Grows
Missouri’s new state energy plan calls for expanded nuclear power, transmission capacity and redevelopment of former industrial and power-generation sites as electricity demand rises. State officials cite expected growth from artificial intelligence data centers, while two data center projects in Montgomery County have generated community concerns.
Missouri officials have released a state energy plan aimed at reducing the state’s dependence on imported electricity and improving grid reliability. The plan prioritizes new nuclear generation, expanded transmission and the redevelopment of brownfields, retired power plants and other industrial-ready sites into “priority energy zones.” Gov. Mike Kehoe said the proposal provides a roadmap for increasing in-state energy production.
Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Jake Buxton said electricity demand is expected to grow substantially because of AI data centers and other development. Ameren chief generation development officer Ajay Arora said the utility is evaluating large and small modular nuclear reactors and hopes to add nuclear facilities around 2040. The plan also notes that data center construction is concentrated in the Kansas City area, with additional growth expected along Interstates 70 and 44; two projects in Montgomery County have faced varying degrees of community pushback.