Florida
Power & Light Company (FPL) has received approval from the Florida
Public Service Commission (PSC) to start construction on three separate
utility-scale solar power projects in the state. The construction of
these projects will make Florida the second largest supplier of
utility-generated solar power in the U.S.
The planned projects are as follows:
The DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center, which will be constructed on FPL’s land in DeSoto County. This 25MW project will become the world’s largest photovoltaic solar facility and is expected to be in operation by December 2009.
The Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center, the world’s first project to integrate solar thermal steam generation into a combined-cycle steam turbine. The hybrid design will produce up to 75MW of solar thermal capacity at FPL’s Martin Plant site, coming on-line at the end of 2009, with completion planned for 2010.
The Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center will be located at the Kennedy Space Center and will be in operation by the first quarter of 2010. The facility will provide 10MW of photovoltaic solar capacity.
“Today’s decision by the PSC represents a major step forward in making Florida a leader in solar power generation,” said Armando J. Olivera, President, FPL. “At a time of record-setting fossil fuel prices and concern over global climate change, solar power helps to meet the goals of protecting the environment and enhancing Florida’s energy security.”
By Síle Mc Mahon
