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Ameren Missouri celebrates years of safe, carbon-free energy

FULTON, Mo. (Dec.18, 2024) – Tomorrow, Ameren Missouri marks 40 years since Callaway Energy Center rose to full power for the first time. The energy center, which has been in operation since 1984, has received a 20-year extension on its operating license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and has been approved to operate until 2044.

“Callaway Energy Center has been a fixture in Ameren Missouri’s energy portfolio for four decades as a safe source of reliable, carbon-free energy for our community,” said Mark Birk, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri.

Callaway is the largest carbon-free energy generator in Missouri. As energy demand increases and new forms of generation are put onto the grid, the around-the-clock energy Callaway provides becomes increasingly important to customers.

“Callaway is a vital component of our long-term plans to meet our customers’ rising energy needs while keeping bills as low as possible. At the same time, it will continue providing hundreds of good-paying jobs and tax dollars in support of the community,” Birk said.

40 Years of Safe and Clean Nuclear Energy

• Callaway started generating energy in October 1984 and was declared “fully operational” in December 1984.
• Callaway generates approximately 9.2 million megawatt-hours of electricity – enough to power about 800,000 average households.
• Callaway produces around 26% of Ameren Missouri’s overall energy generation.
• The reactor containment building is 205 feet tall and 150 feet wide.
• 40,000 cubic yards of reinforced concrete were used in the construction of the cooling tower at Callaway.
• The cooling tower is 553 feet tall – just 77 feet shorter than the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
• Approximately 800 employees and contractors work at Callaway.
• The energy center accounts for about $9.8 million of Ameren Missouri's annual property taxes paid to Callaway County, the majority of which goes to local schools.

Nationally, nuclear generation accounts for almost 19% of all U.S. energy generation. Callaway Energy Center is one of 54 nuclear facilities operating across the country, and the only one in Missouri.

To learn more about Ameren Missouri’s commitment to a nuclear energy, visit AmerenMissouri.com.

About Ameren Missouri
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers approximately 60 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.