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.
New forms of generation
The around-the-clock energy Callaway provides becomes increasingly important to customers
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.
