25 June 2008 -- Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) said it plans to roll out new solar energy projects that include a photovoltaic solar plant and a "hybrid" energy center. Along with an already announced photovoltaic solar installation at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the projects will generate 110 MW.
Construction on the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center is expected to begin by year-end 2008 on FPL-owned property. The facility is expected to provide 25 MW of photovoltaic solar capacity.
Construction on the Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center is slated to begin by the beginning of 2009 at FPL's existing Martin Plant site. The Martin project will generate up to 75 MW of solar thermal capacity in a "hybrid" design that will connect to an existing combined-cycle power plant.
Construction on the Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center is scheduled to begin by early 2009. The Space Coast project, to be built at the Kennedy Space Center, will reportedly provide 10 MW of photovoltaic solar capacity in a public-private partnership.
FPL says it has access to the necessary transmission infrastructure for all three projects. FPL's regulatory permit request, submitted May 16, has yet to be approved.