Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 26-04 on Jan. 16, establishing the Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force as part of an “all of the above” energy strategy to meet rising demand. Task forces members will make recommendations that support and promote the development of nuclear electricity generation within the state. These recommendations shall include legislative and regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships, and solutions to potential workforce shortages that may delay nuclear development. The order instructs the task force to submit an annual report on Dec. 1, prior to the beginning of a new legislative session, of the recommendations for removing barriers to nuclear generation.

In addition, the Missouri Public Service Commission recently approved Ameren Missouri’s application for their Big Hollow Energy Center project. The natural gas center will include the state’s first “large-scale” battery storage facility to support reliable electricity during periods of high demand.

The sustainable supply of affordable electricity is critical to Missouri’s continued economic growth and competitiveness with neighboring states. The state shares a border with eight other states, and, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, consumes eight times more than it generates. Nuclear electricity generation is part of the governor’s plan to deal with the state’s generation deficit as the competition for needed electricity continues across the region and nation.