Topic: Clean Energy
Interview of Kimberly Svaty, May 14, 2024
Interviewed by Jim McLean
In this 2024 interview Kimberly Svaty describes the development of wind energy in Kansas. One of the early projects was a wind farm in Spearville; the significance of that project to the community was a donation agreement that continues to fund projects for the schools and community. She sees wind farms as the next generation of the Kansas energy economy. There are now 45 operating wind farms that use 60% of what is generated locally. Today, the lowest cost power is wind. She described Kansas is the Saudi Arabia of Wind. The interview covers Show Morewhy the push to build coal-fired powerplant in Holcomb didn't happen-- because markets stopped it. Svaty notes that 90% of energy in the Southwest Power Pool comes from wind--it is very reliable. She also discusses concerns about how the windmills are changing the view and how they dominate the landscape with their red flashing lights. She notes the FAA will be a factor in legislative attempts to change the rules. County commissions also have much control over wind development via zoning. The interview concludes with a discussion of solar energy and its potential impact and other clean energy sources such as Hydrogen. Svaty noted that construction has begun on the first 100-megawatt solar facility located in Barber County and that solar energy complements wind. Show Less
Interview of Bruce Snead, September 3, 2024
Interviewed by Rex Buchanan
This interview of Bruce Snead, former Director of the Engineering Extension Program at Kansas State University, focuses on his career and contributions to energy policy in Kansas beginning when he moved to the state to take a position with the university. Snead reflects on the complexity of the history of unsuccessful attempts to establish an independent energy policy entity in Kansas. His perspectives on state action were colored by his years of service as a non-partisan elected member of the Manhattan, Kansas City Commission and Mayor, as well as his involvement in a number of statewide energy planning Show Moreefforts where he saw the importance of individuals to policy development and implementation.
Highlights -- short excerpts from the interview