Ameren launches major solar initiative in Illinois and Missouri

ST. LOUIS, USA: Ameren Corp. and its utility companies in Illinois and Missouri today launched a major solar energy initiative that will span both states.

As a first step, the corporation is installing solar energy systems at its downtown St. Louis headquarters campus at 1901 Chouteau, while Ameren Illinois Utilities (AmerenCIPS, AmerenCILCO, AmerenIP) will install solar systems at one of its facilities in Illinois.

"This initiative reflects our strong interest in pursuing a diverse portfolio of generation options that include renewable resources," said Thomas R. Voss, Ameren chief executive officer and president. "We have a long history of incorporating renewable resources into our generation portfolio--from the early decades of the twentieth century when we began adding hydroelectric generation. Moving to solar energy at our facilities is a natural for Ameren."

The global engineering firm, Burns & McDonnell, with offices in Chesterfield, Mo., has been chosen to develop a conceptual design for the solar demonstration projects, which would include the latest in solar system technologies.

"At these sites, we will be able to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiencies of specific types of solar systems in this region," added Voss. "After the systems become operational, we will begin offering a range of online information about our findings from the project -- information that should help customers in their own evaluations of different types of solar systems."

This project will be developed in stages, beginning with solar installations either on the roof and/or grounds of two Ameren campuses. Burns & McDonnell has designed and managed renewable energy installations across the nation and globe, including development of a demonstration project at their Kansas City, Mo., corporate headquarters.

The generating capacities for Ameren's solar installations will range between 25 and 550 kilowatts. Project designs should be completed by mid-April, with the first-phase installation projects completed by the fall of 2010.