New study confirms impacts of Kansas wind

Over the last few years, there have been attempts to predict wind energy's impact on the Kansas economy, but never a study that utilizes actual empirical data. Until now.

Kansas wind has created jobs and revenue for landowners while placing downward pressure on electricity rates, according to new research by Polsinelli Shughart in partnership with the Kansas Energy Information Network. Specifically, the research shows that wind energy projects (19 wind farms) in Kansas have created more than 12,000 jobs, 75 percent of which are permanent. Further, based on utility filings of actual costs the study shows that even with low natural gas prices, wind provides lower electricity prices compared to other peaking generation sources.

The research additionally found:

• Kansas wind generation has created revenues of more than $273 million for landowners.
• Kansas wind generation has created revenues of more than $208 million for community organizations and local and county governments.
• The Kansas Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) has become an important economic development tool for attracting new businesses to the state.

By the end of 2012, new wind generation for the years 2011 and 2012 will nearly double Kansas' installed wind capacity, which is directly correlated to the passage of the renewable portfolio standard in 2009.

For more:
- see the report