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Kinetic Energy Attracting Investments Throughout Kansas

Kansas has earned its global reputation as a force in the renewable energy industry.

Q2 2024
A skilled workforce, outstanding transportation infrastructure, and ready access to natural resources have made Kansas a leader in renewable energy activities. Courtesy of Kansas Department of Commerce
A skilled workforce, outstanding transportation infrastructure, and ready access to natural resources have made Kansas a leader in renewable energy activities. Courtesy of Kansas Department of Commerce
Editor's Note: This article was paid for and written by the Kansas Department of Commerce and approved by Area Development.


Manufacturers know they can produce more for less in centrally located Kansas. Proof of Kansas’ appeal has come amid the powerful push for more electric vehicles, as one of the nation’s largest EV battery manufacturing facilities is taking shape in De Soto, Kansas.

Panasonic Energy is building a new $4 billion, lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant — the biggest economic development project in Kansas history — with production set to begin in March 2025. Panasonic evaluated more than 100 potential sites in 12 states before choosing Kansas because of its skilled workforce, reliable infrastructure, central location, and shared commitment to clean and renewable energy.

The Panasonic project also is leading transformative economic growth throughout the state and region that goes beyond the 4,000 new jobs needed to operate the sprawling facility. The plant also will support an estimated 4,000 additional jobs created by suppliers and community businesses and 16,500 construction jobs — economic impact that will last for decades to come.

Energized Economic Development
Kansas’ world-class foundation for success — with cornerstones set in education, innovation, and a talented workforce — has fueled record-setting economic development achievement in the state. Kansas was No. 1 in economic growth in the third quarter of 2023 nationwide, and No. 2 in the second quarter. Since 2019, Kansas has attracted more than $18 billion in new capital investment and created and retained 66,000 jobs because of visionary efforts to modernize economic development and seize emerging opportunities.

Kansas’ world-class foundation for success — with cornerstones set in education, innovation, and a talented workforce — has fueled record-setting economic development achievement in the state. The new Office of Registered Apprenticeship in the Kansas Department of Commerce is helping equip thousands of Kansans with the skills, mentorship, and credentials they will need for successful careers in the energy industry, as well as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and other industries. The Office of Innovation continues recruiting cutting-edge businesses, in part with innovative energy solutions that have made Kansas the top place in the nation and world to do business.

Kansas also offers a diverse portfolio of financial incentives to businesses and producers engaged in conventional and renewable energy production.

Wind as a Driving Force
An ever-increasing percentage of the state’s energy comes from renewable sources — starting with truly potent wind energy. Kansas currently harnesses enough clean energy to power every single home in the state for a year, times two.

Development of new wind farms and a stronger supply chain have Kansas among the best states for operating wind farms and corporate wind purchases — helping Google, T-Mobile, Target, Kohler, Textron Aviation, Spirit AeroSystems, and others meet sustainability goals.

More wind power came recently when Danish energy giant Ørsted inaugurated a 200-megawatt Sunflower Wind project in Marion County, Kansas, that will generate enough clean energy to power 70,000 homes and numerous businesses. An ever-increasing percentage of the state’s energy comes from renewable sources — starting with truly potent wind energy.

Kansas also offers solutions for solar energy, with a well-trained workforce and customized training programs benefiting solar equipment manufacturers and suppliers. And Kansas is fourth among states in total biomass production, with economical access to feedstock for bio-based fuels. Kansas currently operates 12 biofuel facilities, with more ethanol and biodiesel facilities on the horizon. Plus, the potential of hydrogen has Overland Park company WindSoHy at the forefront of efforts to develop safe, non-polluting and cost-effective hydrogen technology.

Enhanced Energy Security
Kansas is in line for a major upgrade to the state’s electrical resilience and capacity, which will better prepare the state for weather emergencies, while also creating jobs. The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law project will help the state create a safer, more reliable and more cost-efficient power supply for families and businesses — and support local economic development projects and more clean energy in Kansas.

To learn more about doing business in Kansas, please visit kansascommerce.gov.

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