Carbondale Reporter

Ameren has set forth a plan to expand clean solar and wind generation with a goal towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in its operations in Illinois and Missouri.

"The clean energy expansion is included in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) of Ameren Missouri,” the company reported. “The IRP is a triennial filing that sets forth Ameren Missouri's preferred plan to transform its electricity generation portfolio over the coming decades. It takes advantage of the continued decline in the cost to build new clean energy resources.”

Investments in Ameren Missouri’s IRP include a “planned acquisition of two Missouri-based wind energy facilities in the next few months for approximately $1.2 billion,” the press release said.

Ameren is based in St. Louis and has 2.4 million electric and over 900,00 natural gas customers through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries, the press release said. “Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric service generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Co. of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated electric transmission projects.”

The corporation’s goal, based on 2005 levels, is to reduce carbon emissions 50% by 2030 and 85% by 2040. The new goals accelerate and expand on the company’s 2017 pledge and are consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the press release said.

Adam McLane, Missouri state director of The Nature Conservancy, pledged support of Ameren’s plan, saying that it’s critical to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions, according to the press release.

“In order to avoid the worst effects of climate change and help society and nature adapt to the impacts we are already experiencing, we must reach net zero emissions by 2050,” McLane said.