Evergy has announced plans to invest more than $2 billion to construct two 705-megawatt combined cycle natural gas plants. One facility will be constructed in Sumner County and the other will be built in Reno County.
The announcement was made Monday at locations in Hutchinson and Wellington.
Evergy said the two new plants will provide flexible generation that will work with the renewable resource potential in Evergy’s service area and will meet stringent emissions standards. The plant in Sumner County is expected to begin providing electricity in 2029, and the plant in Reno County is expected to be in service in 2030.
Evergy chairman, president and chief executive officer David Campbell 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 said dispatchable natural gas will complement the utility’s planned investment in wind and solar resources to provide affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity.
Governor Kelly spoke at the Hutchinson announcement and she said the investment will bring direct value to the Hutchinson and Sumner County areas in jobs and tax dollars. She said it also ensures Kansas can continue to invite business growth that benefits the entire state.
During construction, more than 500 jobs are anticipated for each plant. After a 10-year exemption, each plant will provide more than $500 million in property tax revenues over its service life and will bring to the communities 20 to 40 skilled craft jobs that pay more than $90,000 annually.
[ image: Evergy rendering of Sumner County plant ]
