Ameren proposes West Alton energy plant to boost power
Ameren Missouri has proposed a new 2,100-megawatt natural gas energy plant in West Alton, Missouri, to address growing energy demands, pending regulatory approval. This development coincides with the St. Charles County Council's recent approval of a six-month moratorium on large-scale data center developments due to concerns over infrastructure and energy needs. Ameren also seeks permission to finance the project by passing costs to customers during construction.
Ameren Missouri has announced plans for a new 2,100-megawatt natural gas facility, the West Alton Energy Center, in West Alton, Missouri, aiming for completion by 2031. The project, which will be built adjacent to Ameren Missouri’s existing Sioux Energy Center, is intended to boost power options, ensure reliable service during high demand, and support the state's growing energy needs.
The proposal requires approval from the Missouri Public Service Commission. Ameren Missouri President Aaron Melda stated the project is crucial for preparing for Missouri's future energy demands and supporting community growth. Executive Vice President Ajay Arora emphasized the facility's role in adding a highly efficient, Missouri-based resource to the company's generation mix.
In a novel financing approach, Ameren has asked the Public Service Commission for permission to fund the project by passing costs directly to customers during construction, a method legalized by Missouri's Senate Bill 4 in April 2025. Governor Mike Kehoe previously lauded this legislation for its potential to respond to skyrocketing energy demand and attract new industry while ensuring affordable and reliable energy.
Addressing broader infrastructure concerns, Ameren explicitly acknowledged state law and its own Powering Missouri Growth Plan include provisions ensuring data centers cover their infrastructure costs. This comes as the St. Charles County Council unanimously enacted a six-month moratorium on large-scale data center developments in July, defining "large-scale" as facilities with over 5 megawatts of electrical demand or exceeding 100,000 square feet. St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann stated the moratorium aims to gather facts about data centers before any proposals are considered.