Kansas invests $2.8M in renewable energy for agriculture

By Scout Nelson

The USDA Rural Development in Kansas, led by Director Christy Davis, is making a landmark investment of $2.8 million into renewable energy projects across the state. This initiative is part of a larger national scheme that encompasses projects in 41 states, under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). 

The investment aims to improve sustainable energy infrastructure in the Kansas agricultural sector, benefiting farmers, ranchers, and small businesses. The goal is to reduce energy costs, boost production, and create job opportunities, integrating the agricultural community into the clean energy economy. 

The specific projects in Kansas are diverse and impactful. For example, Viets Brothers Inc. in Girard is awarded $79,960 to install two 15 kW wind turbines, powering up to 6.7 homes annually. Similarly, Blevins Farms Inc. in Highland receives a $43,800 grant for a 15-kW wind turbine, sufficient for the energy needs of 3.5 homes each year. 

Casey Andersen in Gove County is another recipient, with a $22,300 grant for a 16.28 kW solar photovoltaic system, which will lead to annual savings of $2,335 and power two homes. Gene Moritz of Greely County is set to receive $39,800 for a wind turbine project, saving $3,424 per year and powering three homes. 

Significant grants of $1,000,000 each are awarded to Rio Vista Farms LLC and Frontier Dairy LLC in Hamilton County for installing anaerobic digesters to produce biomethane gas.  These projects will generate considerable British Thermal Units (MMBtu) per year. 

Mackey & Sons Inc. of Newton is receiving a $98,720 grant for a 149-kW solar array, sufficient to power 17 homes, while Bold LLC in Hutchinson will install a 180 kW solar array with a $100,728 grant, powering 14 homes.   

Mid Kansas Marine and RV Inc. of Hutchinson, with a $25,182 grant, will install a 13.5 kW solar array, enough for one home. 

Ade-Wifco Steel Products Inc. in Hutchinson is receiving a $216,000 grant for a 180-kW solar array to power 26 homes. Board of Trade Management LLC in Salina will get a $162,845 grant for a 175-kW solar array, energizing 22 homes.  

Lastly, Flat Land Farms in Wichita County is awarded a $26,875 grant for a 15-kW wind turbine, providing electricity for 1.5 homes. 

These projects illustrate the commitment of USDA Rural Development to foster a sustainable, clean energy-driven agricultural sector in Kansas, significantly impacting the state’s rural economy. 

Photo Credit - usda