FPL breaks ground on Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

With Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp and local community leaders looking on, FPL broke ground on its 75MW Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center, the world’s first hybrid solar energy plant and first utility-scale solar facility in Florida. It is the first hybrid solar facility to combine a solar-thermal field with a combined-cycle natural gas power plant.

“Florida’s future growth and economic strength depends on how we address climate change, and we know we can reduce greenhouse gases by using fewer fossil fuels and more natural energy sources like solar,” said Gov. Charlie Crist. “This solar facility is a significant step in that direction.”

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The Solar Energy Center will be the nation’s second-largest solar energy facility when it becomes operational in 2010. It is one of three solar projects that FPL is currently building in Florida that, when combined, will produce 110MW of energy. The two other solar projects FPL will build in Florida are found at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and in Desoto County.

Read Next

May 14, 2026
MN8 Energy has raised US$300 million to extend a corporate credit facility that will build out its pipeline of US solar and storage projects.
May 14, 2026
Canadian Solar has posted a quarter-on-quarter decline in both solar module shipments and net revenues in the first quarter of 2026.
May 14, 2026
Kiwa PVEL has rolled out updates to its module testing programme, with two changes affecting Static Mechanical Load (SML) and hail testing.
May 14, 2026
Arava Power has acquired 50% of OCI Energy’s La Salle Solar project, a 670MW project that OCI expects to start commercial operations in 2028.
May 14, 2026
Norway-headquartered technical and safety expert DNV has published two new standards for the design and maintenance of floating solar PV (FPV) systems.
May 14, 2026
New Zealand's government has ordered a sector review into the installation of residential and small to medium-scale solar, aiming to reduce what it describes as a "red tape nightmare" that can delay approvals for months.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
May 20, 2026
Porto, Portugal
Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 3, 2026
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA