Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has announced its plan of building the biggest solar-powered battery system, which is expected to be fully operational by 2021. It is expected to surpass the capacity of the largest battery system in operation for up to four times. The project is part of the innovative modernization plan that will accelerate the retirement of their two fossil fuel generation units.
Manatee Energy Storage Center
According to FPL, the Energy Storage Center, to be located in Manatee County, will have the capacity of 409 MW. In addition, they are also planning for smaller battery installations, numerous solar power plants and efficiency upgrades to existing combustion turbines at other power plants. The project aims to reduce the current emission of fossil fuel and replace the 1,638 MW of generating capacity. Customers in the state will save more than US$100 million by eliminating 1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The retirement of the 1970-era generation units will, as well, promote clean and renewable energy.
“This is a monumental milestone in realizing the full benefits of solar power and yet another example of how FPL is working hard to position Florida as the global gold standard for clean energy,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL. “Even as we aggressively execute on our plan to install 30 million solar panels by 2030, we never lose sight of finding innovative ways to bring our customers the benefits of solar energy, even when the sun’s not shining. Replacing a large, aging fossil fuel plant with a mega battery that’s adjacent to a large solar plant is another world-first accomplishment and while I’m very pleased of that fact, what I’m most proud of is that our team remained committed to developing this clean energy breakthrough while saving customers money and keeping their bills among the lowest in the nation.”
“FPL is pioneering a clean energy revolution for our state that’s come full circle for our community,” said Stephen Jonsson, chairman of the board of County Commissioners in Manatee County. “It seems just like yesterday that FPL kicked off its massive solar expansion in 2016 by opening a solar power plant in Parrish. Fast forward a few years, and our hometown solar power plant is on the verge of powering the world’s largest solar-powered battery system. This modernization plan is truly an incredible feat, consistent with our commitment as leaders, to keep sustainability at the forefront of every project that takes place in Manatee County. It’s why we continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with FPL to help do our part to shape Florida’s clean energy future.”
FPL Power Modernization
FPL has been modernizing its approach towards the production of power energy since 2001. For over 2 decades, the company has executed innovative solutions that have helped its consumers to save up to $10B. They have also effectively eliminated 130 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions since they have started their modernization program.
“Manatee County is always happy to work with FPL,” said Manatee County Commissioner Priscilla Trace. “As a person who works across the street from the plant, FPL is a good neighbor and the company’s continued success and plan to modernize the facility is good for the Parrish community.”