Kansas Claims Number One Spot for Wind Energy Production

Topeka, Kan. – In an effort to raise awareness of clean energy activity in Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly is highlighting the American Wind Energy Association’s 2018 Annual Market Report.

The report, released yesterday, shows that Kansas is now the number one producer for wind energy production as a share of total electricity generation. Kansas surpassed Iowa to claim the top spot, with 36.4% of the state’s total electricity produced by wind power in 2018.

“The State of Kansas must continue to prioritize renewable energy and the many benefits that come with it. I’m pleased to see that Kansas has continued to increase its wind energy production,” Kelly said. “The data shows we’re moving in the right direction.”

Below are Kansas rankings in other wind-based areas based on the 2018 data:

• 4th in Wind Generation (19,295 GWh)
• 5th in Installed Wind Capacity (5,653 MW)
• 5th in Cumulative Wind Investment ($10.5 billion)
• 6th in Wind Capacity Additions (543 MW)

Estimated annual state and local tax Payments by Wind Projects in Kansas for 2018 totaled nearly $28 million, while estimated annual lease payments to landowners by wind projects totaled between $15-$20 million.

“Renewable energy is a major industry in Kansas, and wind energy, alone, accounts for a huge portion of the Kansas economy,” David Toland, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce, said. “We look forward to seeing the wind energy industry continue to grow in our state. There’s no shortage of wind in Kansas, and we’re happy to put it to good use.”

Kansas is home to a major wind turbine nacelle production plant, with only two others currently operating in the U.S.

Several national companies purchase Kansas wind energy (from existing wind farms and new projects under construction), including Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft, Target, T-Mobile, Brown-Forman, Kohler, Iron Mountain and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.