Justin Paget
American (NYSE:AEE) said Thursday it has received approval from the Missouri Public Service Commission to build or acquire three solar projects in the state, securing permission to build on proposals the company announced last year.
The first of three solar projects: Vandalia Renewable Energy Center – will begin service in 2025, with two others – Split Rail Solar, in Warren County, and the Bowling Green Renewable Energy Center – starting to serve customers in 2026.
The three solar farms would have a combined capacity of 400 MW, enough to power up to 73,000 homes, the company said.
The PSC order also sets terms for a potential fourth solar facility – in Cass County, Illinois – that could be approved if it is fully underwritten under Ameren Missouri’s Renewable Solutions (AEE) program.
While the majority of Ameren’s (AEE) power generation still comes from coal, the company has said it plans to spend billions on renewable energy projects this decade and next, aiming to become carbon neutral by 2045.