Ameren Plans Solar Projects in Missouri, Illinois
I’ve read in an Associated Press article about Ameren Corp., which is one well known company that has built solar energy systems in the state of Illinois and Missouri.
The company is planning a solar demonstration of a project one the St. Louis headquarters. They are now planning a demonstration on the St. Louis headquarters. They have asked Burns & McDonnell to create a design for the project and also evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency.
Three technologies will be used and also tested. The design model will allow the company to see which model is more effective. By the next year all the systems will be running. Ameren Corp. will share all the results with the customers. Ameren Corp. now has no solar project even if they are working with methane, wind and other alternative fossil fuels. It was a requirement that in their energy portfolio there are renewable energy solutions. The president of Ameren, Thomas Voss explained that the company has been researching solar energy solutions for many years. They have also been tracking the technological developments. Also, the cost for solar power installations dropped significantly in the last few years, which only supports the last decision. But now, the project Ameren will be set to generate between 25 and 550 kilowatts. Right now the current portfolio of energy resources contains 85% coal, 10% nuclear and the rest is gas and other sources.
Along with Ameren, the other two Missouri investors must generate 15% electricity using renewable sources, by 2001. Other sources include wind, solar power, wood, crops and hydropower. From these, at least 2 % must come from solar sources.
Voss and Burns & McDonnell’s also say, that Missouri is not a great location for solar power and that Illinois is a better location. Starting next year, AmerenUE will offer rebates for the solar electric installations. They will buy wind power for about 26,000 Missouri houses.
Using the AmerenUE’s Pure Power program the clients can pay higher energy bills. Ameren will also plan to create a second nuclear reactor in the middle of Missouri.
Burns & McDonnell will manage the renewable energy installation in US and the headquarters will be in Kansas City.
