Kansas power plant investing $63 million in power generating tech

RIVERTON, Kan. — Liberty Utilities is investing in new power generating equipment for its Riverton Power Plant.

The oldest remaining generators at the plant will soon be removed to make way for new, industrial gas turbines — complete with the latest in power generating technology. They will replace two aging generators built in the 1960’s.

Because of their age, spare parts for repairs are no longer made by the manufacturer.

According to the company, the new generators feature better performance — especially in cold weather — and are nearly 40% more efficient. They are also Liberty Utilities first units designed to use hydrogen as an alternative fuel.

The two generators come at a cost of $62 million. Officials say they are necessary to keep the century-old power plant operating well into the future.

“We’ve definitely gotten our money’s worth out of them, they’ve earned their rest and we’re looking forward to putting something new in there that has some additional capabilities and will serve our customers just as well,” said Liberty Utilities Strategic Projects Director, Shaen Rooney.

Construction on underground utilities and housing for the new generators will take place early next year, leading up to their arrival and installation in late spring of 2025.

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