Two plants to be built in Kansas will help meet growing energy needs, support reliability

KANSAS CITY, Mo., October 21, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evergy, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVRG) today announced it will invest in two new 705 megawatt (MW) combined-cycle natural gas plants that will be built in Kansas. The plants are expected to begin operating in 2029 and 2030.

"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," said David Campbell, Evergy Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "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."

The two new plants will provide flexible generation that pairs well with the abundant 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.

"Kansas is experiencing record economic growth, and Evergy is prepared to deliver the reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy needed," Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said. "Evergy’s multi-billion dollar investment brings direct value to the Hutchinson and Sumner County areas in jobs and tax dollars. It also ensures Kansas can continue to invite business growth that benefits the entire state."

The natural gas plants will represent a major investment in the state’s energy infrastructure that will serve customers for 40 years. 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 20-40 skilled craft jobs that pay more than $90,000 annually.

"We’re pleased to make this investment in communities we serve," Campbell said. "As Kansas and Missouri are seeing historic opportunities for attracting new businesses to our area, Evergy is committed to providing the affordable, reliable and sustainable energy our customers need. This growth benefits all customers by helping to hold down prices."

Kansas’ success in drawing new and expanding businesses has driven the need for more electric generation. During the 2024 Kansas legislative session, a bipartisan effort resulted in legislation that enhances Kansas policies related to electric infrastructure investment, which will help Kansas compete with other states for investment and ultimately save customers money.