Business and Energy Leaders Discuss Local Impact of Renewable Energy Projects in Kansas

Panel discussion covers economic benefits of wind and solar energy projects for local communities

Hutchinson, KS – Today, Boost Kansas hosted a panel discussion focusing on the benefits provided to local communities by the development and operation of a renewable energy project. The virtual event, “Boosting the Local Economy through Renewable Energy,” featured local leaders and industry experts who shared how the growth of Kansas’ wind and solar energy sectors are boosting local economies, creating good-paying jobs across the state, and creating economic opportunity in hard-hit communities, especially as the nation looks to rebuild during post-COVID-19 recovery efforts.

With 41 wind projects already online across the state and more in the works, renewable energy plays an integral role in supporting jobs and stimulating economic activity in local communities across the state.

Steve Sloan, CEO of Midwest Minerals, kicked off the conversation, “COVID-19 has emphasized the importance of growing the availability of good, reliable jobs. The wind industry is leading here in Kansas and has created substantial job opportunities for those employed by Midwest Minerals. We are looking forward to the future as the demand for a renewable energy workforce will only continue to grow.”

“Companies across the U.S are looking for space to power their operations. Kansas has the potential to be at the top of the list, creating massive investment opportunities for our state,” said Riley Scott, Executive Director of Boost Kansas.

More than $11.4 billion in capital financing has been invested in the state, providing unparalleled opportunities for workforce expansion and economic growth as a result of wind energy.

Jeff Martin, Vice President of Customer and Community Operations with Evergy added, “Evergy’s installment of Renewables Direct to provide competitive pricing for local renewable energy is a great tool to attract new businesses to our area and to meet the needs of current customers using our area’s abundant wind energy. It helps customers realize their sustainability goals while providing long-term price stability.”

Renewable energy – and the manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology that goes with it – is and will continue to be an essential driver of American industry, Kansas’ workforce, and the economic recovery.

And it’s been a driver for companies in Kansas.

“Renewable energy has taken off over the past few years and it has proven to be a successful partnership for Watco as we built a facility to store wind turbines during development,” said Casey Harbour, Kansas Sales Manager, Watco. “This has not only been a successful partnership for our company, but also for the state of Kansas.”

In Kansas, wind now supports 6,000 jobs and provides $29 million in revenue for state and local governments, leading to building new facilities, improving roads and bridges, and upgrading emergency services.

“Clean energy is the foundation for our energy future, and states embracing it are winning when major corporations move in or expand their operations,” said Chris Knapp, Apex Clean Energy. “Additionally, across the state Kansas landowners benefit from the $36 million in lease payments made by the industry provided for hosting projects on their land.”

To set up an interview with a panelist or speak with a Boost Kansas representative, please contact Riley Scott at [email protected] or (785) 766-3885.

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About Boost Kansas

Boost Kansas, an initiative of the American Wind Energy Association, is a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting innovative policies that expand renewable and wind energy investment in the state. With commonsense federal and state policies, Kansas can continue to be a national leader in harnessing the power of wind and renewable energy development. Learn more at BoostKansas.com

About the American Council on Renewable Energy

Founded in 2001, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is the nation’s premier pan-renewable organization uniting finance, policy and technology to accelerate the transition to a renewable energy economy. For more information, please visit www.acore.org.

The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 20% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is a national trade association building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

AWEA is the national trade association for the U.S. wind industry, the largest source of renewable energy in the country. We represent 1,000 member companies, 120,000 jobs in the U.S. economy, and a nationwide workforce located across all 50 states. AWEA serves as a powerful voice for how wind works for America. Members include global leaders in wind power and energy development, turbine manufacturing, and component and service suppliers. They gather each year at the Western Hemisphere’s most efficient and targeted event for utility-scale renewable companies, the AWEA CLEANPOWER Conference & Exhibition, next in Indianapolis, June 7-10, 2021. An outgrowth of the AWEA WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition, CLEANPOWER is the first trade show focused exclusively on the utility-scale renewable power sector, bringing together all the major developers, utilities, OEMs, suppliers, and buyers under one roof. Visit AWEA’s website