Energy leaders commit to explore the Show-Me State's energy future at Missouri Nuclear Summit
Event examined possibility of new nuclear generation in the state
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with Gov. Mike Kehoe, the National Governors Association and the U.S. Department of Energy, hosted the Missouri Nuclear Summit on July 17, on the campus of the University of Missouri-Columbia. Missouri's first nuclear summit, the event attracted more than 550 technical experts, lawmakers, local leaders, stakeholders and others to join in a broad conversation about the future of energy, specifically nuclear, in Missouri.
Governor Mike Kehoe welcomes attendees to the Missouri Nuclear Summit. Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Discussions at the event centered around nuclear energy as a generation resource to help Missouri meet reliability, affordability and economic development goals, while maintaining a legacy of safety and environmental stewardship.
"It's imperative for Missouri to develop new sources of reliable energy to serve our businesses, communities and citizens," said Gov. Mike Kehoe. “Missouri’s current nuclear fleet consists of a single reactor at the Callaway Energy Center, which generates 14% of in-state electricity. Expansions to Missouri’s nuclear capacity will make a meaningful contribution to the United States’ energy dominance, increase regional grid reliability and provide a steady supply of alternative fuels that will empower private industry to meet their energy goals and reduce reliance on energy imports.”
During the summit, attendees heard from national nuclear experts on current, proven technologies as well as learned about new advancements in nuclear energy. Energy experts and panelists discussed the challenges associated with new nuclear generation in the current energy landscape, including large project financing, transmission interconnects and permit processing timelines.
“We are at a pivotal moment where we can choose to reshape Missouri’s energy landscape in a significant way, and the decisions we make will define our state for the rest of the century,” said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resource. “Capitalizing on this momentum will show that Missouri can be a forerunner in nuclear technologies. Otherwise, Missouri could lose out on the monumental amount of private sector investment and jobs up for grabs to states that succeed in delivering a carbon-free and reliable energy landscape.”
Currently, Ameren Missouri operates the state's lone nuclear power plant. The Callaway Energy Center generates 1,284 MW and was declared operational in 1984.
To learn more about the summit, please visit dnr.mo.gov/energy/what-were-doing/nuclear-summit.