Global climate change is a critical issue for our customers, our communities, our nation and our planet, and we are committed to do our part. That’s why we have set the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions across all our Missouri and Illinois operations by 2050.
Ameren primarily relies on coal, oil, natural gas and propane as fuel for our operations today, but as we expand our clean energy generation, more of our energy will come from renewable sources, such as wind and solar. Our net-zero carbon emissions goal is a stepped approach, with 50% carbon reductions from 2005 levels by 2030; 85% by 2040 and 100% by 2050. It is consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement in limiting global temperature rise to 1.5ºC. To achieve this, we’ve laid out plans for our largest-ever expansion of clean wind and solar generation that maintains the reliability and affordability that customers have come to expect.
31% reduction in carbon (CO2) emissions since 2005*
54% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions since 2005*
68% reduction in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions since 2005*
91% reduction in mercury (Hg) emissions since 2005*
*Based on average of past three years (2018-2020)
Climate change risks are included in Ameren’s risk management processes to allow our business to make prudent decisions while meeting our customers’ energy needs in a safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible manner.
Our strategy for effectively addressing key climate change risks while positioning Ameren to continue to deliver long-term value to our customers, communities and shareholders is largely embedded in Ameren Missouri’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).
The IRP outlines Ameren Missouri’s approach for the next several decades. This plan will require an investment of billions of dollars and create thousands of jobs, all without compromising reliability and affordability for our customers.
Our largest-ever expansion into wind and solar generation
Continued generation through other clean energy sources, including hydro and nuclear generation
Accelerated retirement of our coal-fired energy centers
Continued energy efficiency programs for Missouri and Illinois electric customers
Another way we’re advancing carbon reduction is through research. We launched Ameren Accelerator in 2017, an innovative public-private partnership with the University of Missouri System, UMSL Accelerate and Capital Innovators, to mentor and invest in energy technology start-up companies. One of the first partnerships of its kind in the U.S., the program will help us meet future energy needs, create new jobs through these start-up companies and provide students with opportunities to be more engaged in the energy business. Ameren has also invested in Energy Impact Partners, a fund focused on strategic investments in new energy technologies.
We’ve taken steps to address climate change risks in our natural gas business as well, specifically to protect against methane leaks by replacing 100% of cast and wrought iron pipeline. Since 2013, Ameren has reduced underground methane leaks by 77%.