Nuclear power tops energy priorities in new state plan
Missouri's updated State Energy Plan prioritizes nuclear power, expanded transmission and redevelopment of retired power plant sites to increase in-state electricity production. The plan cites rising demand from AI data centers, including projects in Montgomery County and the Kansas City corridor, while noting community concerns about some developments.
Missouri's Department of Natural Resources has released an updated State Energy Plan that calls for greater energy independence, improved grid reliability and new nuclear generation. The state currently consumes substantially more electricity than it produces, and officials say future demand—including from AI data centers—will require Missouri to generate 2.6 times its current output.
Gov. Mike Kehoe said the plan provides a roadmap for reducing reliance on imported power. DNR Director Jake Buxton is leading a nuclear task force that will present recommendations to lawmakers, including the possible designation of priority energy zones on brownfields, former power plant sites and other industrial locations.
Ameren Missouri operates the state's only commercial nuclear plant in Callaway County and is evaluating large and small modular reactors for possible additions around 2040. The plan says Missouri's data center market is expanding rapidly, with construction concentrated in the Kansas City area and additional projects planned along interstates 70 and 44; two projects in Montgomery County have generated varying levels of community pushback.