Wind, solar energy plans span Missouri

Alternative energy production is gearing for an uptick on both sides of the state this year, according to published reports.
 
In northwest Missouri, Element Power is positioned to build the state’s largest wind farm. In Holt County, the 25,000-acre Mill Creek Wind Farm is expected to generate and sell 200 megawatts of electricity to Kansas City Power & Light, according to the Associated Press. Construction is planned to begin in the fall with operations slated to kick in by 2016.
 
Near St. Louis, Ameren Missouri plans to build a 5.7-megawatt solar energy center in O’Fallon, according to the St. Louis Business Journal. At an estimated cost of $10 million to $20 million – financed by a mix of long- and short-term debt, plus equity – Ameren anticipates powering 650 average-size homes each year with solar energy. With some 19,000 solar panels, construction is expected to begin in April and power delivery is targeted for December, the journal reports.