Press release
Evergy announces plan to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent, adds 660 megawatts of wind energy to its portfolio
New wind energy projects expand direct access to renewable energy for Evergy customers TOPEKA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) announced
About this update from Evergy, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\nNew wind energy projects expand direct access to renewable energy for Evergy customers\n\n TOPEKA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nEvergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) announced today with Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly that it will expand its wind energy portfolio by 660 megawatts, and reduce carbon output by 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2050. Electricity from four new wind energy sites will be used to attract and retain large commercial and industrial customers.\nThis press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200130005762/en/CO2 Emission Reduction Targets (Graphic: Business Wire)\n\nCarbon Reduction Plan: More Sustainable and Cost-Effective for Customers\n\n\nEvergy announced its commitment to achieve an 80 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 2005 levels from its fleet of power plants by 2050, which is a commitment consistent with the Paris Climate Accord. By the end of 2020, Evergy will have reached an estimated 40 percent reduction in emissions.\n\n\nEvergy highlighted the key components of a plan to achieve this significant emissions reduction:\n\n\n\nRetiring all coal power plants in the Evergy fleet at the end of their useful life, which is currently estimated to be between 2040-2050, with the exception of Iatan 2 in Missouri;\n\n\nContinuing to make significant investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency;\n\n\nOperating the Wolf Creek Nuclear Station until its license expires in 2045; and\n\n\nAdding a small amount of natural gas generation, if additional carbon-free generation is not available within the plan’s timeframe.\n\n\n\n“Reducing carbon emissions and increasing the amount of wind energy on our system benefits our customers by reducing operating costs and by making our operations more environmentally sustainable,” said Terry Bassham, Evergy president and chief executive officer. “This represents a significant investment in the state of Kansas, helping to create clean energy jobs, and bring additional income for rural communities and school districts. It will also make Kansas more competitive for future economic development and job creation.”\n\n\n“Without question, we are uniquely positioned to be a regional and national leader in the development and expansion of renewable energy,” Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said. “Renewable energy is about far mor...