Evergy and the nuclear innovation company Terrapower are deciding whether they want to build a nuclear power plant in Kansas. Terrapower, founded by Bill Gates, is exploring whether its new natrium technology could be used for the facility. The two companies, along with the Kansas Department of Commerce, announced on Tuesday, September 23rd, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to explore potential sites for a possible nuclear plant. Evergy’s Director of Corporate Communications, Gina Penzig, says there are record levels of development in both Kansas and Missouri, particularly in data centers, logistics and manufacturing and it’s driving an increased need for electricity over the next five to ten years.
Evergy has operated the Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Burlington for the last 40 years. Penzig says the facility has an excellent safety record. She says they are looking in the eastern third of the state for a suitable site. Evergy recently announced plans to build two new natural gas plants in south-central Kansas and a solar site in Douglas County.
