Evergy, Inc, an electric services company announced plans to construct two new 705 megawatt (MW) combined-cycle natural gas plants in Kansas, scheduled to commence operations in 2029 and 2030
The facilities are set to be constructed in Sumner County and Reno County, with the Sumner plant projected to commence operations in 2029, followed by the Reno plant in 2030.
These plants will offer flexible and dispatchable energy generation, helping to balance the renewable energy sources in Evergy’s service area while meeting the emissions standards.
David Campbell, Evergy’s Chairman, President, and CEO said, “High-efficiency modern natural gas plants will meet the electricity needs for our region’s growing economy. These plants also will bring good paying jobs and tax dollars to Kansas.”
He added, “Dispatchable natural gas is an important resource within Evergy’s growing and diverse energy portfolio, complementing our planned investment in wind and solar resources and supporting our commitment to affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity.”
Also read: Germany to launch tender for 12.5 GW hydrogen-ready gas power plants by early 2025
The natural gas plants represent a long-term commitment to Kansas’ energy future and are expected to serve customers for 40 years.
The construction of each plant is anticipated to create more than 500 jobs, and following a 10-year tax exemption, the plants will generate over $500 million in property tax revenue for their respective communities.
Once operational, the facilities will provide employment for 20-40 skilled workers earning over $90,000 annually.
The need for additional energy generation capacity in Kansas has been driven by the state’s economic success, particularly in attracting new businesses.
Also read: Vision RNG Secures $207 Million Financing for Renewable Natural Gas Expansion
Recent bipartisan legislation passed during the 2024 Kansas legislative session has strengthened the state’s electric infrastructure policies, making Kansas more competitive for business investments and helping reduce consumer costs.
This year, Evergy submitted a 20-year plan to the Kansas Corporation Commission and Missouri Public Service Commission, detailing how the company will address the increasing energy demand as older plants are phased out.