Carbon Free

Florida Power and Light celebrates 75MW combined CSP/natural gas plant

The Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center

On March 5th, 2011 Florida Power and Light Company (FPL, Juno Beach, Florida, U.S.) celebrated the commissioning of a 75MW plant that combines concentrating solar power (CSP) and natural gas generation. The Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center covers two square kilometers, pairing 190,000 solar thermal collectors with an existing combined cycle natural gas power plant. 

"From job creation to cleaner air to energy security, this project demonstrates the many benefits of investing in large-scale renewable energy, especially in Florida," said FPL President and CEO Armando J. Olivera. "We're hopeful that today's leaders will take action to enable more cost-effective investments like this so we can continue taking dramatic steps forward to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and get more Floridians back to work quickly."

Ceremony attended by Florida Governor Rick Scott, other public officials. FPL said the celebration included Florida Governor Rick Scott, Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos, local public officials, construction workers, engineers, environmental experts and business leaders. The utility credits "leadership by the Florida Legislature" in making the plant possible. The plant was declared in service in November 2010, and FPL notes that it is the final of three large-scale solar energy projects commissioned by the utility. FPL also notes that construction of the plant created more than 1,000 direct jobs over the past two years. FPL states that it has secured and permitted additional sites where more than 500MW of new solar power can be constructed.