Florida Power & Light files 10-year plan that includes increase in solar power
In a plan filed with the Florida Public Service Commission, Florida Power & Light Company said it plans to open the world’s largest solar-powered battery storage facility and seven new solar energy centers by the end of 2021.
Further, by the end of the decade, FPL officials said that zero-emissions energy sources will generate 40 percent of the company’s power. That represents a 65 percent increase from 2020.
“FPL continues its rapid expansion of bringing clean energy that is also reliable and affordable to the more than 11 million people we serve throughout the state,” Eric Silagy, FPL president and CEO, said. “Since we built our first solar energy center in 2009, we have continued to make smart, long-term investments in solar energy centers, battery storage facilities, and even a green hydrogen pilot project, which may help us create an emissions-free energy future. These projects continue to deliver for our customers and make Florida a leader in sustainability and resiliency at costs well below the national average.”
In its Ten-Year Site Plan filed with the commission, FPL said it will install 30 million solar panels by 2030 and have more than 11,000 MW of installed solar capacity by then. FPL already has almost 40 solar centers in the state, with seven more coming this year. Also, by the end of the decade, FPL will have an additional 700 MW of battery storage, a 186 percent increase from 2021.
Eliminating Coal in Florida
FPL has been gradually shutting down less efficient coal-fired units to save customers millions of dollars and reduce emissions. On Jan. 1, it closed its last remaining coal-fired plant in the state, the Indiantown Cogeneration plant in Martin County.
The company is also in the process of building the FPL Dania Beach Clean Energy Center, an ultra-efficient natural gas power plant in Fort Lauderdale. FPL does not currently anticipate the need to build another new natural gas power plant through 2030. Further, the company plans to extend the licenses of St. Lucie Units 1 and 2 nuclear power plants, allowing for up to 20 additional years of operations.
Florida Power & Light serves more than 11 million residents in Florida.
