Sustainability

November 04, 2026

West Alton Energy Center: Steady Power for Missouri

Ameren Missouri's proposed energy center provides reliable, Missouri-based power and supports local jobs while keeping costs as low as possible.

Keeping reliable energy available means planning years ahead. The West Alton Energy Center is part of Ameren Missouri’s plan to meet customers’ energy needs as some existing generation approaches the end of its useful life. It would provide dependable power day or night, alongside a broader mix of resources including nuclear, coal, hydro, solar, wind and energy storage. West Alton would also keep electricity reliable during extreme weather, periods of high energy use and for years to come.

Large energy users must pay their fair share
New large-load customers, like data centers, are expected to need significant amounts of energy. Those customers will pay the costs associated with serving them. State law and Ameren Missouri’s Powering Missouri Growth Plan makes sure existing customers will not pay the costs created by data centers.

Lower financing costs
A project the size of West Alton takes several years to build. Paying some construction costs along the way reduces the amount that must be borrowed and lowers financing costs over the life of the project. Think of it like a credit card: paying down the balance as you go costs less than letting interest build up for years. Project costs must be reviewed and approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission through a public process before they can be included in rates.

Investing in Missouri
Building West Alton next to the existing Sioux Energy Center means Ameren Missouri can use infrastructure already in place, helping reduce construction and connection costs. The project would also bring local investment, including more than 1,000 construction jobs and about 45 permanent jobs once West Alton is operating. The project will also produce tax revenue that supports St. Charles County and the state.

Planning for Missouri’s Energy Future
West Alton would provide dependable, around-the-clock generation to help keep reliable power available for Missouri customers for decades to come. Pending regulatory approval, West Alton is expected to begin operating in 2031. Learn more about the project and the regulatory process at Ameren.com/WestAlton.