INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) — Independence officials are considering constructing the state’s largest solar farm as part of a continuing push to expand the city’s use of renewable energy.

In July, the city set a goal of having Independence Power and Light producing at least 10 percent of its power from renewable energy by 2018 and 15 percent by 2021. City Manager Robert Heacock says companies from around the country interested in building the solar farm have contacted the city.

The Independence Examiner reports that interest prompted the city to extend its deadline to submit proposals to Dec. 23. Heacock says he thinks the city could reach its 10 percent goal by 2016 or 2017.
The plan is to use land in northeast Independence for a solar farm that would produce about 10 megawatts.