Florida Power & Light opens four solar plants, closes coal plant

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) recently announced that it opened four new solar power plants made up of more than 1 million solar panels and retired one of Florida’s largest coal-fired power plants.

The solar plants, FPL Horizon Solar Energy Center in Alachua and Putnam counties, FPL Coral Farms Solar Energy Center in Putnam County, FPL Indian River Solar Energy Center in Indian River County, and FPL Wildflower Solar Energy Center in DeSoto County have capacities of 74.5 megawatts (MW) each.

FPL and co-owner JEA, the municipal electric provider for the City of Jacksonville, shut down the 1,300 MW coal-fired St. Johns River Power Park in Jacksonville, Florida, saying it was no longer economical to operate.

FPL plans to open four new solar plants in March, which will also have a capacity of 74.5 MW: FPL Barefoot Bay Solar Energy Center in Brevard County, FPL Blue Cypress Solar Energy Center in Indian River County, FPL Hammock Solar Energy Center in Hendry County and FPL Loggerhead Solar Energy Center in St. Lucie County.

“The truth is progress like this doesn’t happen by accident,” Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL, said. “It’s because of our culture of responsible innovation and an unwavering commitment to customers that we’re able to deliver cleaner, more reliable energy while keeping electric bills among the lowest in the country.”

According to FPL, the eight new solar plants are projected to produce more than $100 million in savings for FPL customers over and above the cost of construction. Shutting down the coal plant is to save FPL customers an estimated $183 million and prevent more than 5.6 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical to addressing climate change,” Greg Knecht, deputy executive director of the Florida chapter of The Nature Conservancy, said. “Anytime we can replace less-efficient sources of energy with cleaner fuels or solar, it’s a benefit for people and nature. Investments such as FPL’s in clean-energy technologies are key to Florida’s future health and prosperity.”