SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee works to reduce carbon footprint through solar farm

Posted on: 4/24/26

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee is improving the lives of their community members by taking steps to improve the environment. Empty land adjacent to the hospital is now filled with rows of solar panels, turning sunlight into clean, reusable energy for the Shawnee campus.

SSM Health is committed to cutting emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. 

The solar panels will operate in parallel with the hospital’s existing energy provider, reducing, but not replacing, traditional power use.

“Initially, the solar panels will operate alongside our current energy provider service,” said James Larson, director of plant operations, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee. “While traditional energy will remain part of our mix, this project significantly reduces our dependence on it and marks an important step toward a more sustainable energy future.”

Hospital leaders say the project reflects a broader responsibility – one that extends beyond patient care.

“This solar installation is a tangible investment in the health of our community and our planet,” said Angi Mohr, president of SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee. “By converting unused land into clean energy production, we are reducing our carbon footprint today while advancing SSM Health’s long-term commitment to renewable energy and our pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This project reflects how we lead responsibly, by building resilience, sustainability, and stewardship into everything we do.”