DCN ARCHIVES

LATEST NEWS  Trade Contracting

August 25, 2006

Westar building power plant

EMPORIA, Kan.

Westar Energy Inc. will spend US$330 million to construct a natural-gas power plant to generate 600 megawatts of electricity.

The company expects to break ground on the plant, to be located next to a substation in rural Lyon County, Kansas, next summer.

The plant will begin operating by summer 2008 and will initially produce up to 300 megawatts.

But the company only intends to use it during periods of peak demand, when prices also tend to be high.

The next step is to rezone the property and negotiate with engineering firms for design and construction, which will generate up to 150 jobs.

Westar is still considering locations in eight Kansas counties for a new coal-fired plant that would increase the utility’s base load capacity.

The natural gas power plant will be the first new construction for Westar since 2001.

CANADIAN PRESS

Print | Email | Comment

ALEX’S BLOG

Reed Construction Data Chief Economist Alex Carrick discusses current developments in Canada's economic environment. He also shares light-hearted reflections on life and current events.

Economics Blog    More 

Lifestyle Blog    More 

PROJECT NEWS BRIEFS