Duke Energy announces plan for 700 MW of solar in Florida
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Duke Energy Florida filed a revised settlement agreement with the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) which includes plans to add 700 MW of solar capacity.
The agreement will take effect in January 2018 and will include investments of nearly US$6 billion over the next four years while minimizing the impact on customer bills.
Namely, major components of the revised agreement include a reduction of costumers bills, the addition of 700 MW of cost-effective solar power facilities over the next four years, smart meters and grid modernization projects. The agreement also includes plans to install electric vehicle charging stations and a battery storage pilot program.
The company plans to begin construction of its sixth Florida solar power plant to be located in Hamilton County in early 2018. The plant will have approximately 300,000 solar panels and will be built on nearly 550 acres of land in Jasper.
The Hamilton Solar Plant will produce 74.9 MW of clean, emissions-free energy, which is enough to power more than 20,000 homes at peak production.
Harry Sideris, Duke Energy state president – Florida:
"This settlement allows us to move forward to create a smarter energy future for our customers and communities. It resolves the future of the Levy Nuclear Project and reinforces our commitment to building cost-effective solar in Florida. It also makes smart investments that will offer customers more information, choices and control of their energy needs while also providing greater reliability."
Dr. Stephen A. Smith executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy:
"We applaud Duke Energy Florida for working proactively with stakeholders to embrace smart technologies that are both good for consumers and the environment. Large scale solar, electric vehicles and battery storage demonstrate that Duke is embracing technologies for the 21st century. We welcome Duke's willingness to work with stakeholders on data collection and any rate design changes impacting customer- owned demand side solar."
We have reported about other renewable energy projects in Florida:
