Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Files Application for Russell County Solar Project

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation applied for a Solar Energy System Permit in Russell County on February 7.

Sunflower plans to develop the Sunflower Electric Solar at Russell project, a 20-megawatt solar farm located three miles east of Russell. The next step for the project, expected to be commercially available by the last part of 2023, is for the Russell County Commission to review and approve the Solar Energy System Permit.

Sunflower is a cooperatively operated wholesale generation and transmission utility serving seven member distribution utilities with a diverse fuel electric generation mix, including traditional and renewable resources. The Russell project is the second solar development by Sunflower. The 20-MW Johnson Corner Solar Project came online in April 2020 and is the largest operating solar facility in the state of Kansas.

Governor Laura Kelly and Senator Elaine Bowers voiced their support for the new solar development.

"Kansas is uniquely positioned to lead the way in the development and expansion of clean and renewable energy," Kelly said. "I am pleased to see this project move forward. Kansas must have a diverse renewable energy portfolio as we power our future and grow our rapidly changing economy."

"I commend Sunflower in its efforts to build a second 20-MW solar array in the state," Bowers said. "As the need for electricity continues to grow, I'm pleased to see that Kansas is taking a great part in developing more resources."

Sunflower is again developing the project with the National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO) of which Sunflower is a member-owner.

"It's a good day any time we can capitalize on Kansas resources for the good of our communities, state and beyond," Representative Troy Waymaster said, "but it's especially exciting to see it happening near my hometown. Russell County continues to embrace changes that bring benefits today and well into the future."

The public is invited to learn about the project during a come-and-go, informational gathering at Fossil Creek Hotel and Suites at 1430 South Fossil Street in Russell from 5 to 7 PM on Tuesday, February 15.

(Information courtesy Sunflower Electric Power Corporation.)