MBEF February 2024 Update
Greetings MBEF Members,
Drought Conditions Improve
Since this past summer, we’ve reported on Missouri drought conditions and how they impact our region. With recent weather patterns, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is reporting improving conditions, which is great news for Missouri rural communities.
All-in Energy Approach
Missouri continues to diversify its energy portfolio. Based on MoDNR numbers, most of Missouri’s electricity (75%) is produced with coal. That number shrinks each year as new resources come online.
Wind power is one source that tripled its generation since 2020 accounting for 8.5% Missouri’s electricity. The most productive region remains north of the Missouri River.
The Callaway Energy Center, Missouri’s sole nuclear facility, continues to deliver safe, reliable electricity, consistently supplying 6% of Missouri’s electricity.
With coal on the decline, natural gas is a cleaner baseload source accounting for 8% and growing. It was recently announced that Ameren Missouri plans to build a natural gas plant on the grounds of a former coal-fired power plant. Projects like these create jobs, grow our economy, and revitalize areas where they are located.
Solar continues to gain ground in our state as large-scale projects continue to dot our landscape. When farmland is used to harvest the sun instead of crops, property rights must be preserved, while staying far away from any use of eminent domain. Projects like the ones reported in the Southeast Missourian are an economic lifeline to some rural communities producing much-needed sources of local revenue while attracting new businesses that demand access to renewable energy sources.
Hydroelectric and Biomass are other power sources that add to Missouri’s energy generation portfolio. Our rivers and organic materials are valuable energy assets.
Missouri is fortunate to have such a rich landscape to enable all of these various sources of energy. Stay tuned for more updates as we slowly ease out of winter and head into spring!
