HUMBOLDT — In a major move towards sustainable energy practices, Monarch Cement Company and Evergy Energy Solutions have announced a groundbreaking partnership for a solar project in Humboldt. The project aims to change the cement industry’s approach to renewable energy and set a model for others to follow.
According to a joint press release, the solar project, boasting a capacity of 20 megawatts of electricity, is expected to significantly offset Monarch’s energy consumption while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The 105-acre project will be erected on Monarch’s property at 1311 Florida Rd. due east of Humboldt and will pair state-of-the-art solar panels with cutting-edge energy management technology.
“The board of directors and management of Monarch Cement Company are extremely excited about this win-win venture where we are making a giant movement toward achieving our 2050 carbon neutrality goals, being socially responsible, and providing a more than significant return on investment to our shareholders,” said Kent Webber, Monarch president.
“Evergy Energy Solutions has done an incredible job of leading and providing solutions at every obstacle,” Webber said.
Travis Young of Evergy Solutions added the two have a shared commitment to fostering a sustainable energy landscape.
“By leveraging our expertise in renewable energy development, we are excited to contribute to Monarch’s sustainability journey and drive positive environmental impact,” Young said.
Evergy Energy Solutions is Evergy’s non-regulated provider of commercial solar energy. It sits outside of Evergy’s residential and business utility service and does not have an impact on customer rates.
The adoption of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, has become a compelling sustainability solution for businesses. Solar panels not only reduce the environmental footprint but also offer significant economic benefits by allowing businesses to generate their own electricity, reducing reliance on traditional sources and mitigating the impact of fluctuating energy prices.
Switching to renewable energy may seem like a daunting or expensive task to some small business owners. However, there are programs that can help offset the cost and make the transition more appealing.
One such program that is offered in Kansas is the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.
Incentives such as tax credits and rebates further motivate businesses to invest in solar panels, providing both short-term financial relief and long-term cost savings. Beyond economic advantages, solar panels enhance energy efficiency by generating power on-site, minimizing transmission and distribution losses associated with traditional energy sources.
