Kansas Factories Branch Into Clean Energy Components

Some Kansas manufacturers are branching into the clean energy economy, applying their metalworking and fabrication expertise to build components for wind turbines and other renewable energy equipment.

The state's status as a wind power leader has created local demand for towers, nacelle components, and related parts, and manufacturers with the right capabilities have moved to serve it. The work offers a way to diversify beyond traditional markets and tap a growing sector.

"The skills that build an airplane part or a farm implement transfer well to energy components," a manufacturer said. Proximity to the wind farms themselves can reduce transportation costs for bulky parts.

Industry observers say clean energy manufacturing offers promising diversification, though demand can be sensitive to shifts in energy policy and incentives.