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TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Governor Laura Kelly has announced a new wind energy initiative.
Governor Laura Kelly says she applauds the announcement of the new Renewables Direct initiative at Evergy.
“Renewable energy is good for the environment and the economy of Kansas – especially as we work to overcome the economic challenges associated with COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Today’s announcement from Evergy further demonstrates Kansas’ position as a regional and national leader in the development and expansion of wind power.
According to Governor Kelly, Renewables Direct provides long-term price stability and competitive pricing for local renewable energy to qualifying businesses, agencies and commercial customers. She said that as new customers sign up, Evergy will expand its renewable energy sources to continue to meet its sustainability goals. She said the company announced that more than 50 organizations began receiving power from two wind farms in the region in November.
Governor Kelly said that according to Evergy, the wind projects created about 450 jobs during the construction phase. She said the projects promised to provide about $ 74 million in guaranteed payments to county governments over its expected operational life of 30 years and about $ 86 million in payments to local landowners.
“This is an exciting development in wind power, and it’s especially exciting to see this program in Kansas,” said Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “Not only is wind power generation good for the environment, it is a major investment for future businesses in our state. Wind energy employs thousands of Kansans and powers the economy of our state. I look forward to the significant benefits Renewables Direct will bring to businesses and citizens of our state. “
According to Governor Kelly, Soldier Creek Wind Energy Center, which is a 300-megawatt wind farm in north-central Kansas, and Ponderosa Wind Energy Center, which is a 200-megawatt wind farm in the Oklahoma panhandle, will come into operation. in November. and provide power to Renewable Direct customers and the McPherson Board of Public Utilities. She stated that Soldier Creek Wind Energy Center and Ponderosa Wind Energy Center are both subsidiaries of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC.
“Kansas is a leader in wind power,” said Evergy President and CEO Terry Bassham. “The expansion of wind power in our region brings economic investments and jobs to communities near wind farms and clean, affordable energy for our customers.
Governor Kelly said that in 2019, wind power accounted for 41% of the state’s electricity production, making Kansas the second-largest producer of wind power as a share of total electricity generated in the states. -United. Kansas wind farms have generated more than $ 11 billion in capital investments and created more than 5,000 jobs. She said that every year, project-related payments that exceed $ 60 million are made to state and local governments and in lease payments.
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