HAYS — Sunflower Electric Power Corporation applied for a Solar Energy System Permit in Russell County on Feb. 7. Sunflower plans to develop the Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell project, a 20-megawatt solar farm located 3 miles east of Russell.
The next step for the project, expected to be commercially available by the last part of 2023, is for the Russell County Commission to review and approve the Solar Energy System Permit.
Sunflower is a cooperatively operated wholesale generation and transmission utility serving seven member distribution utilities with a diverse fuel electric generation mix, including traditional and renewable resources. The Russell project is the second solar development by Sunflower. The 20-MW Johnson Corner Solar Project came online in April 2020 and is the largest operating solar facility in the state of Kansas.
Gov. Laura Kelly and Sen. Elaine Bowers voiced their support for the new solar development.
“Kansas is uniquely positioned to lead the way in the development and expansion of clean and renewable energy,” Kelly said. “I am pleased to see this project move forward. Kansas must have a diverse renewable energy portfolio as we power our future and grow our rapidly changing economy.”
“I commend Sunflower in its efforts to build a second 20-MW solar array in the state,” Bowers said. “As the need for electricity continues to grow, I’m pleased to see that Kansas is taking a great part in developing more resources.”
Sunflower is again developing the project with the National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO) of which Sunflower is a member-owner.
“It’s a good day any time we can capitalize on Kansas resources for the good of our communities, state, and beyond,” Rep. Troy Waymaster said, “but it’s especially exciting to see it happening near my hometown. Russell County continues to embrace changes that bring benefits today and well into the future.”
The public is invited to learn about the project during a come-and-go, informational gathering at Fossil Creek Hotel and Suites, 1430 S. Fossil St., from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 15.
About Sunflower
Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale power supplier that operates a system of solar, wind, natural gas, and coal-based generating plants and a transmission system of approximately 2,400 miles for the needs of its seven members, who serve customers living in central and western Kansas. Visit Sunflower’s website at www.sunflower.net.
Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Scott City. Southern Pioneer Electric Company is also a member of Sunflower.
About National Renewables Cooperative Organization
Formed in 2008 by 21 cooperatives, NRCO aims to increase access to cost-effective renewable energy resources for electric cooperatives around the country. NRCO provides full origination and development services for its owner-members and cooperative customers, with nearly one gigawatt of wind and solar projects completed to date including 45 cooperative-run community solar farms. For more information see www.nrco.coop.
