Missouri Eyes Nuclear Renaissance As Energy Demands Explode

Several new developments are putting Missouri at the forefront of America’s nuclear revival. The state recently scored a spot among seven chosen by the feds to expand nuclear energy programs—not too shabby for a place with just one commercial reactor. The National Governor’s Association and Department of Energy are swooping in with technical assistance and strategic planning. They’re done with just talking. Time for action.

Missouri’s nuclear scene is pretty sparse right now. The Callaway Energy Center churns out 14% of the state’s electricity, while the University of Missouri runs a couple of research reactors. That’s it. But state leaders are hungry for more, eyeing partnerships with utilities, the university system, and electric cooperatives to bulk up their nuclear fleet. The push aligns with the global trend of nuclear power growth projected at 3% annually through 2026.

Missouri’s nuclear footprint is tiny, but officials are itching to expand—partnering with anyone who’ll help them power up.

What’s driving this sudden nuclear love affair? Data centers and AI, mostly. These tech behemoths are electricity vampires, and the demand growth shows no signs of slowing down. State officials are practically salivating at the prospect of luring these facilities to Missouri with promises of reliable, carbon-free power. The initiative specifically aims to reinvigorate nuclear energy across the United States. Critics wonder if the tech firms will actually show up, but hey, build it and they might come, right?

Of course, someone’s gotta pay for these shiny new reactors. Spoiler alert: it’ll probably be Missouri residents. Financing is the elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about. State leaders are huddling with federal partners to figure out how to foot the bill, with next-generation reactor technologies as the prize. There’s a serious risk that existing ratepayers could end up financing expensive infrastructure if predicted data centers never materialize.

The timing seems right. The feds are streamlining approvals for new reactors, and the NRC is being pushed to move faster. Environmental exclusions could make siting easier. For Missouri’s grid stability and clean energy goals, nuclear expansion makes sense. Zero carbon emissions. Reliable power. Energy independence.

Love it or hate it, Missouri’s nuclear renaissance is charging ahead. The question isn’t if anymore—it’s how fast.