Wind energy is shaping the future for generations to come. So far, roughly $12 billion in private capital investment has been made in the Sunflower State by the wind industry, and with several billion of additional investment coming in new projects currently under construction. These wind projects have created more than 12,000 direct and indirect jobs in the state.
Wind energy in Kansas helps revitalize rural economies. Over $36 million is paid annually in land leases to landowners which host wind projects on their land, supplying a new stream of steady revenue.
According to the Kansas Department of Commerce, “Siemens Gamesa chose Kansas for a wind turbine production facility, citing transportation advantages, pro-business climate and new financial incentives for wind manufacturing projects. A Kansas location offers companies in the wind supply chain ideal access to the new Siemens nacelle plant and numerous other manufacturers in the region. In fact, at least six major wind turbine manufacturers have nacelle production plants within a 500-mile radius of Kansas.”
The workforce opportunity in Kansas for renewable energy is powerful, as the state helps to propel the country towards wind and solar.