Evergy to Build Two New Natural Gas Plants in KS

Posted October 22, 2024

Evergy will build two new natural gas plants in Kansas, both of which are expected to be in service by 2030.

A 705-megawatt combined-cycle natural gas plants will be constructed in Sumner and Reno County. The Sumner plant is expected to begin providing electricity in 2029, and the Reno plant is expected to be in service in 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,” David Campbell, Evergy president and CEO, said in a Monday release. “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 construction efforts will generate nearly 500 jobs for each plant while each completed plant will bring 20-40 new jobs to the respective areas that pay over $90,000 annually. Following each plant’s 10-year tax exemption, each facility will provide more than $500 million in property tax revenues.

“Evergy’s multi-billion dollar investment brings direct value to the Hutchinson and Sumner County areas in jobs and tax dollars. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said in the release. “It also ensures Kansas can continue to invite business growth that benefits the entire state.”

In May, Evergy announced it would be increasing its electricity generation by 1,900 additional megawatts for its 2024 resource plan. Evergy plans to retire over 4,800 megawatts of coal-based generation by 2039.