The Big Hollow Energy Center combines natural gas and energy storage to supply reliable energy when Missouri needs it most.
Pending regulatory approval, the Big Hollow Energy Center is expected to be operational by 2028. The facility will provide reliable backup power during extreme weather or when renewable energy sources are insufficient, ensuring consistent service for customers. The project draws inspiration from the Castle Bluff Energy Center, with its natural gas component designed to meet peak demand and the battery system enabling rapid response to fluctuating energy needs while supporting network stability.
“This is the next step to deliver on our strategy to invest in energy infrastructure for our customers’ benefit and provide a balanced generation portfolio,” said Ameren Missouri Chairman and President Mark Birk. “As we transition our generation for the future, we’ll continue to serve our customers with the reliable energy they expect while also preparing for anticipated increases in demand.”
Ameren Missouri is advancing its battery storage strategy, targeting 1GW of capacity by 2030 and expanding to 1.8GW by 2042. The Big Hollow site leverages existing infrastructure and transmission lines, facilitating efficient development. The natural gas and battery systems will operate independently but complement each other within the current energy framework, optimizing performance.
“It is crucial to have a balanced mix of generation technologies and equally important to strategically locate them across the region,” said Ameren Missouri Senior Vice-President and Chief Development Officer Ajay Arora. “This approach maximises the energy output from these resources.”
Serving 60 counties and 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area, Ameren Missouri aims to meet growing energy demands while maintaining reliability. The Big Hollow Energy Center represents a significant step in modernizing the region’s energy infrastructure, combining traditional and innovative technologies to support a stable and sustainable power supply.
