Large Wind General information for the Plains States of KS, OK, and TX

Jan 2010 KS, Gov Parkinson set the bar high for growth of the wind industry in KS.  He announced in his state of the state address that a cabinet-level group would be formed, called the Energy Policy Sub-cabinet to discuss opportunities in wind and other renewable energy.  They will focus on collaboration of state and private entities and look at policy options to make KS the leader in wind energy generation.

Large wind Power lines in the KS/OK/and TX areas

KS Has A Positive Business Climate --New financial incentives & pro-bus policies
In 2009, Kansas enacted a new financial incentive for eligible wind and solar equipment manufacturing projects that authorizes up to $5 million in bond financing for eligible projects. Additional cost savings are offered to expanding businesses through the elimination of property tax on new business machinery and equipment, as well as income tax credits, sales tax exemptions and training assistance.

In spring 2009, the Legislature approved a new incentive for eligible wind and solar equipment manufacturing projects. The new legislation authorizes bonds that provide financial support and are repaid from withholding taxes generated from the new job creation. To qualify, a project must create at least 200 jobs within five years, pay at least a $32,500 average salary and generate a minimum capital investment of $30 million.

In 2009, the KS Legislature passed a new incentive that authorizes up to $5 million in bond financing for eligible wind and solar projects in Kansas. This is one of the most talked-about alternative energy incentives in the country, and it was one of the key factors in Siemens decision last spring to come to Kansas. Additionally, cost savings are offered to expanding businesses through the elimination of property tax on new business machinery and equipment, as well as income tax credits, sales tax exemptions and training assistance.

Ks has a Renewable Energy Standard requiring that 20 percent of the state’s energy come from renewable sources by 2020.

KS leadership have acted to position us for the great potential of wind energy in  our state and because of the vision to capitalize on a natural strength we have to harness the wind for our prosperity

From Caleb’s notes:  Kansas has demonstrated a long-term commitment to wind energy and renewable energy in general

• KS has a Renewable Energy Standard requiring that 20 percent of the state’s energy come from renewable sources by 2020.
• And our comprehensive energy plan includes net metering and energy efficiency initiatives.
• Currently KS has seven wind farms across the state
• Kansas has over 1,000 megawatts of wind generating capacity, with plenty of room for more.
• In fact, projections indicate that by 2030, the state’s power system could provide 10-40,000 megawatts for export from wind energy each year

“Kansas has tripled its wind generating capacity in the last 15 months…new wind farms make Kansas one of the few states in the country that can now generate more than 1,000 megawatts of wind power a year.”

                                                                Forbes, March 19, 2009

So with that volume of wind development in KS and our location in the midwest wind corridor, it only makes sense that KS would be a prime location for companies that manufacture wind energy components such as RSI Wind.

Large wind Power lines in the KS/OK/and TX areas