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Utility-Scale Wind Generation

High Prairie Renewable Energy Center

 

High Prairie Renewable Energy Center

The High Prairie Renewable Energy Center is Ameren Missouri's first owned and operated wind generation facility. It was acquired by Ameren Missouri in December 2020 and has a nameplate capacity of 400 megawatts (MW). It is the first of many renewable energy additions anticipated by the company through 2040.

The wind facility is located in Adair and Schuyler counties in Missouri. The energy center consists of 175 wind turbines that are among the most technologically advanced in the state. Ameren Missouri anticipates the energy center will produce enough energy to power the equivalent of 120,000 homes.

Atchison Renewable Energy Center

Ameren Missouri acquired the Atchison Renewable Energy Center in January 2021. The facility is in northwest Missouri and has a nameplate capacity of 299 MW.

Other Wind Generation

As part of our diversified generation portfolio, we purchase 102 MW of wind power from Phase II of Horizon Wind Energy's Pioneer Prairie Wind Farm in Iowa. This is enough energy to power 26,000 average households.

Commonly Asked Questions

Learn more about how wind power is bringing clean energy to Missouri.

A wind energy facility consists of many turbines in the same location that generate electricity. Ameren Missouri currently owns wind facilities in northeast Missouri near Kirksville and in northwest Missouri in Atchison County.
The wind spins a generator in a wind turbine to create energy. In more scientific terms, the kinetic energy from wind is converted into mechanical power, which is then converted into electricity. A transformer at each turbine increases the voltage and puts the energy on the underground distribution lines. Those underground lines come together at the substation, which then sends the energy along transmission lines through the energy grid and into homes and businesses across Missouri.
A variety of factors are considered when deciding where to locate a wind energy facility. We look for consistently windy areas, as well as consider land resources, environmental impacts and community input. In Missouri, the best wind resources are in northern counties. The area features strong, consistent winds and relatively flat land. As wind generation technology improves, more areas of Missouri may be suitable for wind generation.
The tower of the turbines is more than 300 feet tall, about the same height as a 21-story building. While each type of turbine has different specifications, they are generally about 499 feet tall when the tip of the blade is pointed straight up. The blades have a diameter of around 400 feet.
Wind turbines are built to protect themselves from high winds. Each one has specialized instrumentation to measure conditions. When the wind speeds become too strong, the turbines will stop.
There could be a variety of reasons. The most common being because the wind is not blowing fast enough. Technicians could also be performing routine maintenance.
Wind generation is a renewable, emission-free source that helps provide clean energy to our customers. In addition, wind energy enhances economic value to customers and communities through jobs and increased tax dollars from the wind facilities.
There are a variety of benefits for the local community. Construction can bring in hundreds of jobs to build the facility. The increased economic activity in the region also benefits existing businesses, including those who supply materials and other services during construction and the operation of the facility. Landowners hosting equipment receive lease payments for the life of the turbines. In Missouri, property taxes stay local, to the benefit of public services, schools, first responders and many more.
There is need for ongoing maintenance for the life of the turbines. In general, there is one full-time job for every 10 turbines at a facility.
The Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at energy.gov has additional resources.

Committed To Clean

Ameren Missouri is future-proofing the grid, adding more clean energy sources, and moving toward net-zero carbon emissions.

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