Today, a group of leading organizations from across Missouri announced they’re joining Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE), to bring more clean energy to the state. These organizations are committing to clean energy by choosing to purchase up to 100% of their total energy use from renewable generation sources. To meet these organizations’ renewable energy goals, Ameren Missouri created the Renewable Solutions program. The program would be served by a 150 megawatt (MW) solar facility being acquired by Ameren Missouri, marking another step toward its transition to renewable energy.

“We know that reaching our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 will take innovative solutions and partnerships,” said Mark Birk, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. “This creative partnership with local businesses and organizations is just one of the ways that we’re working to increase the amount of clean energy on the grid while still maintaining the affordability and reliability our customers expect.”

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The solar facility, in White County, Illinois, is being developed by Invenergy, a leading developer, owner and operator of sustainable energy solutions. This facility, which Ameren Missouri previously announced an agreement to acquire, is expected to produce the energy equivalent to powering nearly 27,500 homes annually. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions and could begin serving customers as soon as 2024.

“As we advance our plans to grow renewable energy generation, locating projects in Missouri and surrounding states is necessary to maintain the reliability our customers expect and the resiliency necessary for the grid,” Birk said.

All customers will benefit from the successful implementation of the program through:

• Clean energy on the grid at a lower cost to all customers.
• Investment in local construction jobs, suppliers and increased economic activity.
• Support of Ameren Missouri’s transformative expansion of wind and solar energy as part of the transformational changes toward net-zero carbon emissions.

The following are some of the 10 organizations that have committed to the growth of renewable energy in our region as part of the Renewable Solutions program:

• Bi-State Development
• bioMérieux
• Emerson
• General Motors
• Mastercard
• SSM Health 
• Walmart

“It’s clear many business customers share our vision of a sustainable energy future and are seeking to power their operations with clean energy,” said Patrick Smith, vice president of economic, community and business development at Ameren Missouri. “We created the Renewable Solutions program as an easy way for these customers to take an active role in reducing carbon emissions across the region.”

Subscribers will receive Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for their participation, a tangible way to denote their own reduction in emissions. They also will benefit from predictable pricing, and the program will help them avoid the large capital investment required to construct their own solar facilities.

Future Expansion

The Renewable Solutions program may be expanded in the future to provide additional options for commercial, industrial and governmental customers.

Small businesses and residential customers looking to increase their own renewable energy usage have several options, including Ameren Missouri’s popular Community Solar program.

Both programs will help Ameren reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 and the company’s strong interim goals of a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and an 85% reduction by 2040, from 2005 levels. These goals are included in Ameren Missouri’s comprehensive integrated resource plan to safeguard long-term energy reliability and resiliency while also accelerating the company’s planned additions of clean wind and solar generation by 2030.

Support for the Program

Renewable Solutions would not be possible without the support of local organizations.

“Being part of Ameren Missouri’s Renewable Solutions program to develop clean energy is fully aligned with bioMérieux’s CSR strategy. We actively work to reduce our emissions in all our operations and along the entire value chain. We are excited to partner with the energy experts at Ameren Missouri to bring this innovative concept to life.” – Bart van den Brand, Senior Vice President, Americas Operations, bioMérieux

“Emerson has established a target to achieve net-zero operations and source 100% renewable electricity by 2030. We commend the Ameren Missouri team for developing this opportunity to invest in renewable energy as businesses in our region work together toward a more sustainable future.” – Mike Train, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Emerson

“GM is proud to be part of this innovative and forward-thinking new program that will directly impact the region’s transition to clean energy, as well as move GM even closer to achieving our goal of powering all our US facilities with 100% renewable energy by 2025. Ameren Missouri’s Renewable Solutions program is a great complement to GM’s bold environmental goals and will help us create a better future for all.” – Kristen Siemen, Chief Sustainability Officer, General Motors

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to live in a healthy environment, free of pollution and with access to nutritious foods and green spaces to play and work. As a faith-based, Catholic health care system, preservation of the earth is part of our Mission and Vision. This project enables us to lend our voice, and our economic resources, as an advocate for smart policies, alternative energy sources and greening our communities. We are glad to partner with others to improve our environment and help us all lead healthier lives.” – Gerry Kaiser, Vice President of Facilities and Real Estate, SSM Health

Source: Ameren Missouri