Overview
Great Bend - Sunflower is an operational gas power plant in Kansas, United States, owned by Sunflower Electric Power Corp. With a capacity of 81.6 MW, it contributes to regional electricity generation.
Great Bend - Sunflower is a gas-fired power plant located in Kansas, United States. Owned by Sunflower Electric Power Corp, the facility is operational and has a capacity of 81.6 MW, placing it in the small-to-medium scale range for gas power plants in the US. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency, including the Clean Air Act and its associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. Gas-fired plants typically have lower emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides compared to coal plants, and modern gas turbines can achieve high efficiency. As a gas power plant, Great Bend - Sunflower plays a role in the local grid, providing flexible generation that can complement renewable sources. Its location in Kansas supports the state's energy mix, which includes wind, coal, and natural gas. The plant's operational status ensures continued contribution to the region's power supply.
Environmental context
Gas power plants like Great Bend - Sunflower have a lower carbon footprint than coal plants but still emit CO2 and other pollutants. The plant's capacity of 81.6 MW suggests moderate fuel consumption. Kansas has relatively low population density. The plant's age and technology are not detailed, but modern gas plants can achieve high efficiency and lower emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Great Bend - Sunflower is located in Kansas, United States, near the city of Great Bend.
Great Bend - Sunflower is a gas-fired power plant, meaning it uses natural gas as its primary fuel to generate electricity.
The plant is owned by Sunflower Electric Power Corp, a utility cooperative based in Kansas.
Gas power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including emission limits for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. They may also be subject to the Acid Rain Program and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.
With a capacity of 81.6 MW, Great Bend - Sunflower is considered a small-to-medium scale gas plant. Large gas plants can exceed 500 MW, while smaller ones may be under 50 MW.