HUMBOLDT – The Monarch Cement Company celebrated the completion of a new solar array with a ribbon- cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 23.
Monarch partnered with Evergy Energy Solutions to develop a 97-acre solar array. According to Monarch President Kent Webber, the farm has the potential to produce up to one-third of the cement plant’s energy needs. It has a capacity of 20 megawatts of direct current and 17.4 megawatts of alternating current power. It is capable of producing approximately 35 million kilowatt hours of renewable electricity each year.
“What you have accomplished with this solar field is outstanding,” said Craig VanWey, a senior regional director of in-state business development from the Kansas Department of Commerce.
Ceremony attendees also heard from Monarch CEO Walter Wulf Jr, Webber, and Evergy Vice President Jason Humphrey.
According to Humphrey, this project has the same environmental benefit as planting 500,000 trees. In other analogies, The energy produced by this solar array annually could power over 3,500 homes, drive over 82 million miles, or charge 1.9 billion smartphones.
To increase the benefit, Evergy planted native pollinator- friendly grasses and plants. These plants have a deeper root system which will increase the underground biomass. This biomass has the potential to capture carbon and improve water infiltration in the soil. Between the solar array and the pollinator plants, the land will be a carbon-free renewable energy site.
In addition to decreasing carbon emissions needed to produce power for the plant, this move will also decrease the water demand needed to produce power, as most power plants must use water to produce steam during electricity generation. This solar array will leave more water resources for other users.
“It is good for all parties involved,” Webber said. “This is truly one of those projects you can’t find a flaw in.
According to Webber, the project took three years to complete and emphasizes the company’s commitment to clean energy, and upholding its environmentally conscious reputation.
Lead Solar Developer Travis Young said that this solar array was the largest solar project Evergy Energy Solutions has finished to date.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better partner to build it with,” Young said.
He highlighted how quiet the solar array was, and said no other form of energy production had such little noise pollution.
Humboldt City Manager Cole Herder said Monarch Cement Company is a tremendous partner in the community.
“They bring so many things to our community,” Herder said. “This solar array demonstrates the superior leadership of Monarch in this area. They are one of two remaining cement plants in the state. This is a big deal.”
Monarch Cement Company was founded in 1908 and specializes in portland and masonry cement for contractors, ready-mixed concrete plants, building material dealers, and government agencies across Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas. The clean energy provided by the solar farm is integral to Monarch’s goals of reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmental stewardship.
