Ameren Missouri has set its sights on a significant energy infrastructure project, filing an application with state regulators for the construction of an 800-MW natural gas-fired power plant and its first large-scale battery energy storage facility. The Big Hollow Energy Center, proposed for a site near St. Louis in Jefferson County, is poised to become a cornerstone in the utility’s strategy to bolster energy reliability and diversify its generation portfolio.
The project, announced in late June, is part of Ameren Missouri’s broader plan to phase out coal-fired power generation. The utility has already closed the Rush Island coal plant and plans to retire the Sioux Energy Center by 2032. The Labadie coal plant, the state’s largest power generation facility, remains in operation. The Big Hollow Energy Center, expected to come online in 2028 if approved, will be a simple-cycle plant, similar in design to the planned Castle Bluff Energy Center near St. Louis.
Mark Birk, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri, emphasized the strategic importance of the project. “This is the next step to deliver on our strategy to invest in energy infrastructure for our customers’ benefit and provide a balanced generation portfolio,” Birk said. The utility aims to use the new facilities to support the grid during periods of high energy demand, particularly when intermittent renewable energy is unavailable.
A key feature of the Big Hollow Energy Center will be Ameren Missouri’s first large-scale lithium-ion battery installation. The planned 400-MW battery storage system is designed to be a fast-acting asset, ready to support energy needs in moments. Fully charged, the battery array could power thousands of homes for hours, enhancing overall grid reliability during peak demand periods. Ameren Missouri has announced plans to accelerate its battery energy storage capacity, targeting 1,000 MW by 2030 and 1,800 MW by 2042.
The project has garnered local support, with Jefferson County Executive Dennis Gannon highlighting its economic benefits. “The Big Hollow Energy Center represents more than just an energy project; it’s a commitment to the future of Jefferson County,” Gannon said. The utility has emphasized that the natural gas generation and battery storage facilities will operate independently, utilizing existing energy infrastructure to reduce construction time and costs.
Ajay Arora, senior vice president and chief development officer at Ameren Missouri, underscored the importance of a balanced mix of generation technologies. “It is crucial to have a balanced mix of generation technologies and equally important to strategically locate them across the region,” Arora said. The utility has collaborated closely with local leaders, with Rob Dixon, senior director of economic, community and business development at Ameren Missouri, noting the project’s potential to bring jobs and support the local community.
The development of the Big Hollow Energy Center could shape the future of energy infrastructure in Missouri and beyond. As utilities grapple with the challenges of transitioning to cleaner energy sources while maintaining reliability, projects like this one offer a glimpse into the evolving energy landscape. The integration of natural gas generation with large-scale battery storage highlights a strategic approach to balancing immediate energy needs with long-term sustainability goals. This project could set a precedent for other utilities looking to diversify their generation portfolios and enhance grid reliability in the face of increasing demand and intermittent renewable energy sources.