Florida’s power grid set for a 300 MW clean energy boost from four new solar sites

Scaling America’s clean energy solutions, Duke Energy Florida has proposed four new utility-scale solar sites with a combined generating capacity of 300 megawatts (MW). The plan to expand the renewable energy portfolio of the Southern state was announced Tuesday, November 10, as electricity demand continues to grow across the state. The American energy company has filed plans with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to construct the four solar facilities, which are expected to enter service by mid-2028. Together, the projects will add 300 MW of emissions-free electricity generation to Florida’s power grid. Four solar sites across Florida The planned facilities include solar energy sites in Orange and Sumter Counties, with a tentative online date of June 2028. The Orange County facilities include Nova Renewable Energy Center, Bull Creek Renewable Energy Center, and Wewahootee Renewable Energy Center. The construction of the former two are expected to begin early next year. Construction for the third is slated to begin in May 2027. Hogeye Renewable Energy Center is the only one planned in the Sumter County. According to Duke Energy Florida, the new projects are part of its long-term strategy to meet rising electricity demand while increasing the share of renewable energy in its generation mix. “Our strategy is centered on delivering cleaner energy while maintaining reliable and affordable service for our customers,” Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, said in a statement. Each facility will generate electricity using photovoltaic solar panels connected to Duke Energy Florida’s transmission network. Once operational, the projects will collectively provide enough renewable generation to strengthen the utility’s growing solar portfolio. However, the company has not yet revealed the individual capacity of the four proposed solar sites. Clean energy expansion The latest filing is part of the company’s plan to expand the state’s battery system to store excess energy when power demand is low. Through these new systems, the company hopes to provide customers with clean solar energy even during the period of no sunlight. “These solar energy sites are just one example of how we’re planning for the future and strengthening our system to continue providing safe, reliable power, at the lowest possible price, for years to come,” Seixas added. Over the next decade, it plans to build over 1 gigawatt of battery storage, the company said in a statement expanding on the long-term impact of the proposed solar utility sites. The utility noted that the four projects are also projected to deliver approximately $1 billion in customer savings over their operating lifetimes through reduced fuel costs, although the primary focus of the proposal is to add new renewable generating capacity to Florida’s electric grid. Beyond providing cost-effective fuel to power the American grid, the new facilities would also provide emission-free energy to the U.S. homes. According to the company, about 1.1 million cubic feet of natural gas, 12,000 barrels of fuel oil, and 9,000 tons of coal are saved annually at each solar energy site. The company currently owns, operates, and maintains 25 solar energy sites that contribute 1,850 MW to the grid. Each energy site holds the capacity to power nearly 15,000 homes, it said.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.