Evergy plans natural gas plant investment in Kansas
Evergy, a US-based utility company, plans to build two 705 MW combined-cycle natural gas plants in Kansas to meet rising energy demands and enhance reliability.
The first plant in Sumner County is expected to commence operations in 2029, while the second in Reno County is set for 2030.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly highlighted the state’s economic growth, noting that Evergy’s investment would bring substantial benefits, including jobs and tax revenue, to Hutchinson and Sumner County. The flexible generation capabilities of the plants will complement Kansas’s renewable energy potential while adhering to strict emissions standards, contributing to a cleaner energy future.
The investment in Kansas’s energy infrastructure will extend over a projected 40-year operational lifespan. The construction phase will create 500 local jobs per plant, boosting the local economy. Following a 10-year tax exemption period, each plant is expected to generate over $500 million in property tax revenues. The facilities will also provide 20 to 40 permanent jobs to the local communities.
In 2024, Evergy submitted its 20-year energy plan, outlining the development of these plants to the Kansas Corporation Commission and the Missouri Public Service Commission. David Campbell, Evergy’s chairman, president, and CEO, emphasized that these high-efficiency natural gas plants are vital for supporting Kansas’s economic growth and renewable energy goals while providing stable, affordable electricity.