Overview
Callaway is a 1,235.8 MW nuclear power plant in Missouri, United States, operated by Union Electric Co. It provides low-carbon baseload power to the region.
Callaway is a nuclear power plant located in Missouri, United States, with a capacity of 1,235.8 MW. It is owned and operated by Union Electric Co (Ameren Missouri) and has been operational since 1984. As a nuclear facility, it plays a key role in providing reliable, low-carbon electricity to the Midwest grid. The plant operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which enforces stringent safety and environmental standards. Nuclear power plants in the U.S. are subject to the Atomic Energy Act and NRC regulations covering reactor safety, waste management, and decommissioning. Callaway uses a pressurized water reactor (PWR) design, typical for large-scale nuclear generation. Callaway contributes to Missouri's energy mix by supplying baseload power without direct CO2 emissions. Its location in rural Callaway County minimizes population exposure, and the plant's cooling system uses water from the Missouri River. The facility supports grid stability and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with state and federal clean energy goals.
Environmental context
Nuclear power generation produces no direct CO2, SO2, or NOx emissions during operation, making it a low-carbon energy source. However, the plant's cooling system requires significant water withdrawal from the Missouri River, which can affect local aquatic ecosystems. The facility's location in a rural area reduces population density risks, but spent fuel storage remains a long-term environmental consideration. Regulatory oversight by the NRC ensures compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Frequently asked questions
Callaway is located in Callaway County, Missouri, United States, approximately 10 miles southeast of Fulton.
Callaway has a net capacity of 1,235.8 megawatts (MW), making it a large-scale nuclear facility.
The plant is owned and operated by Union Electric Co, a subsidiary of Ameren Missouri.
Nuclear plants in the U.S. are regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) under the Atomic Energy Act, covering reactor safety, licensing, and waste management.
Nuclear plants produce no direct air emissions during operation, but they require water for cooling and generate radioactive waste that must be managed long-term.