Smart Energy Plan

January 22, 2026

Dual fuel conversion to boost winter reliability for Missouri customers

Ameren Missouri advances fuel source upgrades to Audrain Energy Center

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Quick-start natural gas generation is critical for supporting grid reliability when our customers need it most. These facilities can be activated rapidly when demand surges, such as on cold winter mornings.

The Audrain Energy Center, located outside Vandalia, Missouri, is one of Ameren Missouri’s largest natural gas facilities, with a generation capacity of about 600 megawatts (MW). However, natural gas supply constraints have historically limited the availability to generate power during the most challenging winter conditions. To increase reliability in these critical moments, Ameren Missouri is adding a second fuel source capable of overcoming those challenges.

The strategic upgrade, part of Ameren Missouri’s Smart Energy Plan, will convert all eight combustion turbine generators at Audrain Energy Center to dual-fuel capability, enabling them to run on either natural gas or diesel fuel oil. This flexibility is critical because the pipeline serving the facility often faces curtailments during extreme cold, as residential and commercial heating demands soar. Adding a fuel oil backup allows these units to continue generating electricity even when gas supplies tighten, safeguarding reliability for customers on frigid winter days.

"Beyond reliability, the benefits of this conversion are substantial," said Jeff Moore, director of renewables & CTG operations for Ameren Missouri. "We're adding roughly 700 megawatts of accredited winter capacity, addressing both immediate and long-term energy needs for our region. This extra capacity helps us avoid supply shortages like those experienced in 2021 and 2022 in the south and on the east coast. By taking these steps, Ameren is working to protect our customers from service interruptions."

The project is part of Ameren Missouri’s broader efforts to support grid reliability and resiliency through the Smart Energy Plan. As aging generation facilities begin to retire and more renewable energy is added to the grid, dispatchable resources like Audrain become even more vital to maintaining system balance and reliability. Two of Ameren’s other combustion turbine generator facilities are already equipped with fuel-oil backup.

Missouri-based MC Industrial was selected to carry out this complex project, continuing Ameren’s commitment to support in-state businesses through the Smart Energy Plan. The company expects to employ an average of 50-60 workers throughout construction. This project also includes 10 Missouri-based suppliers and subcontractors.

Construction is well underway, with commissioning phases scheduled throughout the coming year. The upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, ensuring the upgraded facility will be ready before the heart of the next winter season. Once complete, Audrain will be capable of operating on fuel oil for approximately 58 hours each year, which should provide ample coverage for the most severe cold-weather events.

Ameren Missouri’s investment in the Audrain Dual Fuel Conversion Project demonstrates a firm commitment to keeping energy reliable even during the harshest winter conditions. By taking this proactive approach, the company reinforces the strength of the grid and offers reassurance that homes will stay warm and businesses will continue to operate smoothly when demand is at its highest.