State

Kansas is a national leader for renewable energy production

Dallas Koehn plants milo in his field as wind turbines rise in the distance, near Cimarron, Kan. President Donald Trump announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program to help farmers, ranchers and others in the food industry impacted by the coronavirus pandemic with $16 billion is going directly to farmers and ranchers. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel/Tuesday, May 19, 2020)
Dallas Koehn plants milo in his field as wind turbines rise in the distance, near Cimarron, Kan. President Donald Trump announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program to help farmers, ranchers and others in the food industry impacted by the coronavirus pandemic with $16 billion is going directly to farmers and ranchers. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel/Tuesday, May 19, 2020) Associated Press

In 2020, Kansas created more electricity from renewable energy than any other state in the nation, except Iowa. This prevented 19.3 million metric tons of carbon emissions.

“Clean Power Annual proved Kansas’ renewable energy portfolio is growing, and this is only the beginning,” said George Stafford, of Boost Kansas, a local initiative of the American Clean Power Association. “The state’s geographic location, unique landscape, and statewide pro-renewable energy policies all help attract new businesses and increased renewable energy development.”

Renewable energy powers 43% of Kansas’ electricity and the state generated more energy from wind turbines than any other source, according to a recent report by the American Clean Power Association.

“Renewable energy is powering Kansas’ economy,” Stafford said. “This report does not simply highlight numbers, it highlights a growing economy and robust industry that is contributing to communities across the state.”

Across the U.S., there is enough wind and solar energy to power 50 million homes, which accounts for more than a third of the nation’s houses. In Kansas, renewable energy generates enough energy to power 2.8 million homes, which is more than the state currently has.

Renewable energy developments have created over 3,000 jobs and account for $12.7 billion in investment in the state. Kansas farmers and ranchers were paid $32.3 million in land lease payments.

Help us cover your community through The Eagle's partnership with Report For America. Contribute now to help fund reporting on the effects of climate change in the Midwest, and to support new reporters.

Donate to support local news
Sarah Spicer
The Wichita Eagle
Sarah Spicer reports for The Wichita Eagle and focuses on climate change in the region. She joined the Eagle in June 2020 as a Report for America corps member. A native Kansan, Spicer has won awards for her investigative reporting from the Kansas Press Association, the Chase and Lyon County Bar Association and the Kansas Sunshine Coalition.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER