Missouri Releases New State Energy Plan Focused on Energy Independence and Nuclear Power

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Governor Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources have released the newly developed Missouri State Energy Plan, outlining the state's energy priorities and strategies for the next two decades.

The plan was released following a meeting of the Missouri Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force, which was established through Executive Order 26-04. The task force is responsible for evaluating and guiding Missouri's strategic approach to nuclear energy development and helping implement several of the State Energy Plan's policy recommendations.

Kehoe said reliable and affordable electricity is important to Missouri's economic development and growth.

According to the governor, Missouri has become increasingly dependent on energy sources from outside the state over the past decade. He said the new plan is intended to increase Missouri's control over its energy future while improving reliability, lowering consumer costs and supporting economic growth.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources led development of the State Energy Plan. The department said the plan provides local and state decisionmakers with energy-demand and economic analyses while helping ensure Missouri's priorities are represented in the national energy discussion.

The plan is organized around four primary pillars:

• Energy Independence: Missouri has shifted from being a net exporter of electricity to a net importer over the past decade. The plan calls for increasing energy generation within the state, with the goal of bringing more economic investment and industrial development to Missouri.
• Nuclear Enablement: The plan identifies nuclear power as an important part of Missouri's future energy portfolio. State officials point to increasing electricity demand and the retirement of existing dispatchable power plants as reasons for supporting additional reliable generation. The plan describes nuclear power as a dispatchable, carbon-free source of electricity that could diversify Missouri's energy portfolio.
• Economic Growth: State officials say increasing in-state energy generation could keep more electricity-related economic activity in Missouri, including jobs, tax revenue and economic development associated with power generation. The plan also highlights potential economic benefits from investments in nuclear power.
• Reliability: The plan addresses concerns about maintaining reliable electricity as existing baseload and dispatchable power plants retire. Its recommendations call for increased investment in reliable power sources and additional measures intended to strengthen the electric grid.

Jake Buxton, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, said the plan's modeling indicates Missouri can increase in-state energy generation while supporting economic development.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources says it will continue working with local, state and federal partners to advance the state's energy priorities.