Wind power one of the most significant wind energy states in the country:
Wind Power Is Huge in Kansas
- Wind is the largest source of electricity in Kansas. In 2022, wind provided about 47 % of the state’s electricity generation, one of the highest shares in the U.S. after Iowa and South Dakota.
- Kansas has some of the best wind resources in the country thanks to its location on the Great Plains — second only to Texas in technical wind potential.
Installed Capacity & Growth
- Installed wind capacity is over ~8,200 MW (megawatts) and growing as new projects come online.
- Multiple large wind farms operate across the state, and more capacity was being added in recent years.
- A number of major projects — like Ørsted’s Sunflower Wind (about 200 MW) — are part of this expansion and also serve corporate purchase agreements for clean power.
Economics & Jobs
- Wind energy has attracted billions of dollars in investment in Kansas, supporting construction jobs, operations, and rural economic benefits such as land lease payments and local taxes.
- The industry has created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, and construction.
Local Policies & Community Impact
- Policy and local regulations vary across the state; while some counties actively encourage wind development, about one-fifth have bans or moratoriums on new installations, often to protect specific landscapes like the Flint Hills.
Future Potential
- Estimates suggest Kansas could install hundreds of gigawatts more wind power if fully developed, far exceeding current levels and making it a potential exporter of clean electricity beyond state borders.
Conclusion
- Wind power is a major part of Kansas’s electricity mix, supplying nearly half of the state’s generation and expanding.
- Strong wind resources, large-scale projects, economic benefits, and ongoing development make Kansas a leader in wind energy in the United States.