Ameren (NYSE:AEE) said Thursday it received approval from Missouri’s Public Service Commission to build or acquire three solar projects in the state, securing permission to carry out proposals the utility announced last year.
The first of the three solar projects – the Vandalia Renewable Energy Center – is scheduled to enter service in 2025, with two more – Split Rail Solar, in Warren County, and the Bowling Green Renewable Energy Center – set to begin serving customers in 2026.
The three solar farms would have a combined capacity of 400 MW, enough to power as many as 73K homes, the company said.
The PSC’s order also set the terms for a potential fourth solar facility – in Cass County, Illinois – that could be approved if it is fully subscribed under Ameren Missouri’s (AEE) Renewable Solutions Program.
While most 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, while aiming to become carbon neutral by 2045.