Duke Energy Florida files for three more solar plants, pledging jobs and 700 megawatts

Duke Energy Florida (DEF), a subsidiary of Duke Energy, last week announced plans for three new solar power plants in Manatee, Hardee, and Alachua counties.

All told, the three facilities could bring in enough power to charge 69,000 homes each year, thanks to the additional 224.3 megawatts they should bring online. Each project should bring between 200 to 300 temporary jobs with them and, when finished, will be owned, operated, and maintained by Duke Energy Florida. Construction is expected to finish late next year and will bring the company’s total solar power holdings up to 700 MW.

“The Archer, Duette and Charlie Creek solar power plants will complete Duke Energy Florida’s commitment to customers to provide 700 MW of clean, green energy by 2022,” Catherine Stempien, Duke Energy Florida state president, said. “Once operational, our solar power plants will eliminate nearly 3 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The sun shines bright here in Florida, and we are committed to making more solar investments in the years to come.”

DEF just finished work on the Columbia Solar Power Plant and the DeBary Solar Power Plant last month, which brought 74.9 MW and 74.5 MW online, respectively. Other projects currently underway include the 74.9 MW Twin Rivers facility and the 74.9 MW Santa Fe Solar Power Plant.

The company has more than 500 MW of solar generation either under construction or in operation right now, with the exception of these facilities. It is investing around $1 billion into solar expansion, and, within the next decade, it intends to reach nearly 1,700 MW of solar generation.