SEATTLE (Oil Monster): The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved Ameren Missouri’s plan to build the Big Hollow Energy Center, an 800-megawatt (MW) natural gas facility paired with a 400-MW lithium-ion battery storage system in Jefferson County.
The project marks the first large-scale hybrid generation facility of its kind in Missouri, combining gas-fired power and battery storage at a single site. Ameren Missouri said the facility will be integrated into its statewide generation fleet and is intended to support reliability during periods of peak demand.
The approved plan authorizes construction of an 800-MW simple-cycle natural gas plant alongside the battery system. The facility is expected to begin serving customers in 2028.
"Today's decision allows us to advance an investment that supports reliability for all of our customers," said Michael Moehn, group president, Ameren Utilities of Ameren Corporation. "Big Hollow will be part of the generation system that serves homes, businesses and communities across Missouri, helping ensure we can meet growing demand while keeping the grid dependable for everyone."
Ameren said the gas-fired portion of the project will be designed to operate during peak demand events, including extreme winter cold and summer heat, and to provide backup generation when renewable output is limited.
The 400-MW battery system will serve as a fast-response resource capable of delivering power within moments. When fully charged, the batteries are expected to provide electricity for thousands of homes for several hours, helping stabilize the grid during demand spikes.
Ameren Missouri has outlined broader battery expansion plans, targeting 1,000 MW of storage capacity by 2030 and 1,800 MW by 2042 across multiple sites.
"Big Hollow adds flexibility and resilience to the energy system that serves customers across Missouri," said Ajay Arora, senior vice president and chief development officer at Ameren Missouri. "By combining fast-starting natural gas generation with battery storage, the project helps ensure reliable service for homes and businesses during periods of peak demand and changing system conditions."
The natural gas and battery components will operate independently but will leverage existing Ameren infrastructure at the site. The company said that approach is expected to help reduce construction timelines and limit costs.
The approval comes as utilities across the Midwest evaluate new generation resources to manage rising demand tied to industrial growth and broader electrification trends.
Courtesy: www.pgjonline.com
