Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has announced a new “30-by-30” plan that will see the company install more than 30 million solar panels in Florida by 2030.
As part of the plan, FPL has secured solar sites throughout the state for the purpose of promoting the construction of efficient and cost-effective PV generation. This “30-by-30” plan stands as the largest installation of PV panels by a regulated utility in the world. It will also create a 67% fleet-wide reduction in carbon dioxide emissions rate by 2030, when compared to the national average.
When this plan is completed, FPL expects to be the largest utility owner and operator of solar in the US.
Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL, said: “FPL is not your traditional electric company. “We're a technology company that delivers power, and we've long believed in making smart, forward-thinking infrastructure investments to produce tangible, long-term benefits – cleaner air, lower electric rates and reliable service – for our customers and our state. Now we're taking our long-standing clean energy commitment to the next level. Bottom line, this bold, innovative plan is the right thing to do for our customers and for our fast-growing state, and we look forward to working with local and state officials and our regulators to make this vision a reality.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis added: “I am supportive of programs that will provide Floridians with greater access to affordable, clean energy which will help propel the State to a healthier future. We live in the Sunshine State and solar energy is a natural resource that should be seriously considered. FPL's initiative is important. As Florida's energy needs continue to grow at a rapid pace, it is important that we diversify our energy resources. This is vital to the economic well-being of our State and quality of life for residents.”
FPL already has begun pairing battery storage technology at its solar power plants, with the company’s PV projects expected to feature a large amount of battery-storage capabilities by 2030.