The construction of a proposed 2.1GW West Alton Energy Center by Ameren Missouri is making headway as firm asserts plans. The firm has confirmed its plans for the combined-cycle natural gas facility in the US. The company is a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation. It has applied to the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC) for approval of the plant. It will aim to supply continuous electricity to customers across the state.

The planned facility is due to be completed in 2031 if regulators give the project’s go-ahead. It is intended to address growing energy demand and offset the future retirement of older power stations. Ameren Missouri also said the energy center would support economic development and maintain its portfolio of energy sources. It will also focus on managing long-term costs for customers. The project is expected to generate more than 1,000 construction jobs over multiple years.

Another project taking shape is the Sterling hybrid solar & BESS project in Arizona where The firms have signed a long term agreement that will see Tesla assured of long term energy supply. Under the terms, the US electric car maker will source around 90% of the Sterling plant’s expected annual output. Furthermore, it will purchase bundled electricity and renewable energy certificates (RECs) from the facility, ContourGlobal said on Tuesday.

Scope of Implementation on the West Alton Energy Center by Ameren Missouri

The West Alton Energy Center by Ameren Missouri would be located adjacent to the existing Sioux Energy Center. “The West Alton Energy Center is one way we are preparing for Missouri’s future and supporting the growing needs of our communities. Missouri has seen incredible economic development wins over the past year, and we are pleased to support this growth,” chairman and President Aaron Melda said.

The company also plans to take advantage of existing infrastructure at that location to help control expenses and enhance efficiency. Missouri law and Ameren Missouri’s Powering Missouri Growth Plan include provisions for data centers to bear the infrastructure costs necessary for their operations.

Moreover, the company says it will protect existing customers from the impact of rising demand. It forms part of the company’s long-term generation and grid modernization strategy. The proposal states that the new facility would supply constant power, bolster in-state energy security, and contribute to reliability during peak demand and extreme weather conditions.

Project Overview

• Location: Arizona, USA
• Developer: ContourGlobal
• Off-taker: Tesla
• Status: Long-term PPA signed

Scope

• 450MWac solar plant
• 360MW battery storage system
• 1.4GWh energy storage
• Over 1.1TWh annual generation

Project Highlights

• 90% of output sold to Tesla
• Includes renewable energy certificates
• ContourGlobal’s largest renewable project
• Power supplied via pseudo-tie arrangement

Key Developments

• PPA officially signed
• Project redesigned for Tesla
• Off-site works underway
• On-site construction starts in 2026

Timeline

• Project acquired in 2024
• Construction began in 2025
• Main works in 2026
• Operations planned for 2028

Outlook

• Long-term clean power for Tesla
• Major Arizona renewable energy project
• Supports battery-backed solar generation
• Strengthens regional clean energy supply