Callaway nuclear license renewal deemed economic boost

Ameren Missouri revealed Tuesday it is seeking a 20-year extension of its license to operate a nuclear reactor at the Callaway Energy Center, south of Fulton.

The utility's decision to seek the license extension drew praise from a central Missouri economic development official.

"This is great news for companies wanting to expand or create new industrial plants," said Bruce Hackmann, president of the Fulton Area Development Corporation. "Companies are always seeking the low-cost source of electrical power that nuclear energy provides. The prospect of extending the life of the nuclear power plant is tremendous from an economic development perspective for all of Central Missouri."

Ameren Missouri filed a 1,500-page application with the U.S. Nuclear Regulator Commission (NRC) to renew its license to continue operating a nuclear power generation plant at the Callaway Energy Center.