Evergy’s recent announcement to build two new 705 megawatt (MW) combined cycle gas plants in Kansas marks a significant milestone in the state’s energy infrastructure.
Slated for Sumter County and Reno County, these plants are expected to come online in 2029 and 2030, respectively, and represent an investment of more than $2 billion.
As Evergy expands its portfolio of energy resources, this move is strategically aligned with increasing electricity demands driven by industrial growth, including new battery, semiconductor, and data center facilities across the U.S. Midwest.
Meeting growing energy demands
Kansas is experiencing record economic expansion.
Manufacturing, driven by sectors such as batteries and semiconductors, along with large-scale data centers, has resulted in unprecedented electricity demand across the region.
According to Evergy President David Campbell, the utility is committed to “delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.”
The decision to invest in new combined cycle gas plants is a proactive approach to support reliability, ensuring that Kansas’s growing industries have the power they need to thrive.
These two units represent part of Evergy’s larger goal to manage increasing demands while transitioning its energy production towards a more sustainable future.
Earlier this year, Evergy updated its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which projects the need for an additional 1,900 MW of capacity over the next 20 years, a significant increase from forecasts made in 2023.
Alongside the introduction of gas generation, Evergy is also set to retire more than 4,500 MW of coal capacity, further diversifying its energy mix.
Combined cycle gas plants in Kansas’ energy future
One of the unique aspects of combined cycle gas plants is their ability to effectively use natural gas to generate electricity while improving overall efficiency.
Combined cycle gas technology allows for the reuse of waste heat, generating additional power without consuming more fuel. This combination enhances efficiency and reduces the carbon footprint of fossil fuel-based generation compared to traditional single-cycle plants.
These benefits are especially important for Kansas, where renewable energy resources like wind and solar are on the rise.
Dispatchable natural gas generation, such as what these combined cycle plants will provide, plays a critical role in balancing intermittent renewable sources.
The stability and reliability offered by natural gas will ensure continuous supply during periods of high demand or low renewable generation, such as during prolonged cloudy weather or when wind speeds are low.
The capacity and dispatchability provided by these plants will also help in maintaining grid stability, which is crucial as more renewable sources are added to the mix.
Over the next 20 years, Evergy plans to add 5,100 MW of renewable capacity from wind and solar to their energy portfolio, alongside 6,000 MW of firm dispatchable power, including these combined cycle gas units.
This diversified approach will enable Evergy to meet rising energy demands without compromising reliability or sustainability.
Environmental considerations and carbon reduction goals
Evergy has made substantial progress in reducing its carbon emissions, having already cut emissions by over 50% since 2005.
The company has set an ambitious interim goal of reducing emissions by 70% from 2005 levels by 2030, and it is targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2045.
Achieving these targets will be dependent on enabling technologies, as well as supportive policies and regulations.
It is noteworthy that Evergy’s current energy production already draws heavily from emission-free sources.
Nearly half of their electricity generation comes from renewables and nuclear energy. For example, the Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation is a significant contributor to the emission-free power that Evergy supplies, and it underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Adding combined cycle gas plants to the mix, which emit fewer greenhouse gases compared to older coal units, helps transition away from more carbon-intensive energy sources while providing the stability that renewable sources cannot always guarantee.
By replacing over 4,500 MW of aging coal generation, Evergy is making a clear statement about its intention to responsibly shift towards cleaner energy while maintaining the resilience of the grid.
Impact on the Power, Renewables and Nuclear sectors
From a recruitment perspective, this expansion will have significant implications for industries in Kansas and beyond.
The development of these combined cycle gas plants is indicative of the growing demand for skilled professionals across a variety of technical sectors, including engineering, operations, maintenance, and environmental compliance.
Combined cycle gas plants require a wide array of expertise. Skilled engineers, plant operators, and maintenance teams will be essential to bring these projects online and ensure their efficiency.
In addition, the retirement of coal plants and expansion into renewables creates opportunities for energy professionals across multiple fields, from construction to compliance and environmental management.
For recruitment companies like Astute, this type of energy transition highlights the importance of adaptable skill sets and industry knowledge.
As more sectors move towards balancing renewable energy and traditional forms of generation, the need for a technically capable workforce will only increase.
Professionals with experience in gas technologies, renewable integration, and sustainability practices will be in particularly high demand as Kansas continues to position itself as a leader in energy transformation.
Moreover, the intersection of sustainability initiatives and traditional energy production opens avenues for roles focusing on regulatory affairs and carbon management.
Navigating the complexities of a transitioning energy landscape requires not only engineering talent but also a keen understanding of policy, emissions standards, and environmental impact, creating recruitment opportunities for experts in these fields as well.
A balanced approach to Energy Generation
Evergy’s planned combined cycle gas plants reflect a pragmatic approach to energy generation, balancing reliability with an eye towards sustainability.
Where the demand for power is not just increasing but also diversifying, this mixed strategy of renewables paired with efficient natural gas generation is key.
The decision to invest over $2 billion in new combined cycle gas technology, even as they expand renewable energy sources, reflects Evergy’s awareness of the need to ensure energy reliability in an increasingly complex market.
The development of these combined cycle gas plants in Kansas demonstrates Evergy’s commitment to building a robust and resilient energy infrastructure that can adapt to the economic and environmental needs of the future.
As the transition away from coal continues, the role of combined cycle gas plants as a bridge technology is critical, providing necessary stability until technological advances and enhanced storage capabilities make renewables an even more dominant part of the energy landscape.
If you are an energy professional looking to take part in this transformative period for the industry, whether you specialize in combined cycle technology, renewable energy integration, or grid resilience, get in touch with our team today.
The projects coming online in Kansas are just the beginning of a broader energy revolution that will need the best minds to shape a more sustainable future.
