Missouri politicians and utility executives discuss data centers, future of power
Missouri officials and utility executives discussed the rapid growth of data centers and the need to expand the state’s power infrastructure at the Power MO summit in Jefferson City. Officials highlighted new Amazon, Google and Nebius projects while acknowledging community opposition and anticipating additional state regulations.
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe and other state leaders used the Power MO summit in Jefferson City to promote data center development and warn that the state must rapidly expand its electricity infrastructure. Officials said new hyperscale projects are driving economic growth and local tax revenue, while Missouri may need new generation and transmission capacity to meet soaring demand.
The state has announced data centers from Amazon and Google in Montgomery County and Nebius in Independence, representing more than $40 billion in investment, according to Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Michelle Hataway. Ameren Missouri executive Rob Dixon said the utility will need to build quickly, while the company’s long-range plan calls for substantially more new generation, including additional natural gas capacity. Kehoe acknowledged opposition to projects along Highway 70 in Montgomery County and said he expects the Missouri Legislature to establish additional guardrails for data centers during its next session.