RUSSELL — Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announces the construction of its newest renewable energy resource, the Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell facility, is complete. The commissioning process and initial synchronization to the electric grid are now underway, marking a significant step forward in Sunflower’s commitment to supplying reliable, cost-effective energy to its member utilities.
Commissioning a solar facility is a critical phase of the project. It ensures the solar photovoltaic (PV) system is installed correctly, safe, and ready for reliable operation. This process involves rigorous testing and inspections to confirm the system’s readiness to synchronize with the electric grid.
Located on 143 acres three miles east of Russell, the $36 million project was designed and constructed by DEPCOM Power. The facility features 44,408 solar panels equipped with single-axis tracking technology designed to rotate throughout the day and continually face the sun for maximum efficiency and production. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to generate nearly 50,000 megawatt hours annually, which accounts for about 1% of Sunflower’s total energy needs.
“Solar resources produce energy during the hottest days of the year when our system experiences its highest demand,” said Corey Linville, senior vice president and chief operations officer of generation at Sunflower. “Having generation resources that complement weather patterns boosts both reliability and affordability.”
The Sunflower Electric Solar@ Russell facility not only capitalizes on the abundant solar resources in the region but also provides strategic benefits to Sunflower and its members. By interconnecting to the bulk electric grid near Russell, the facility reduces loading on a nearby transmission line nearing capacity, saving costs for Sunflower’s members by eliminating the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, the project provides a fixed-price hedge against market energy prices.
Ken Webre, director of project delivery at DEPCOM Power, shared his thoughts on the project: “DEPCOM Power is proud to partner with Sunflower on the development and construction of this state-of-the-art solar facility. The success of this project is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing energy solutions that are both efficient and cost-effective. We’re excited to see this facility begin delivering renewable energy to Kansas communities.”
The Russell solar project was developed by Sunflower in partnership with National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO). They were also involved in the development of Sunflower’s first solar facility, the Johnson Corner Solar Project near Johnson City. Johnson Corner Solar is comparable in size to the Russell facility and has been operational since April 2020. The combined 40 megawatts (AC) of clean electricity produced by the two facilities is enough to power more than 8,400 homes across Sunflower’s service territory.
“Sunflower is a cooperatively operated wholesale generation and transmission utility serving our seven member distribution utilities with a fuel-diverse electric generating mix that includes traditional and renewable resources,” said Steve Epperson, president and CEO of Sunflower. “The Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell project adds yet another renewable fuel source to our diversified generation portfolio, which is designed to protect both the affordability and reliability of the energy we provide to our members.”
About Sunflower
Sunflower Electric Power Corporation (sunflower.net) is a regional wholesale power supplier operating a system of solar, wind, natural gas, and coal-based electric generating plants and approximately 2,400 miles of electric transmission infrastructure. Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Scott City. Southern Pioneer Electric Company is also a member of Sunflower.
About National Renewables Cooperative Organization
Formed in 2008 by 21 cooperatives, NRCO (nrco.coop) aims to increase access to cost-effective renewable energy resources for electric cooperatives around the country. NRCO provides full origination and development services for its owner-members and cooperative customers, with nearly one gigawatt of wind and solar projects completed to date including 59 cooperative-run community solar farms.
About DEPCOM Power
DEPCOM Power (depcompower.com), a Koch Engineered Solutions company, is a leading energy solutions partner for the utility solar and broader energy industries providing project development support, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), energy storage, repowering, and operations and maintenance services.
