The world’s largest solar + storage project will be built in Florida – the 409MW facility will boast world-leading specs. Let’s take a look at the project:
World’s largest solar + storage project in Florida
Florida Power & Light (FPL), a state owned utility which is owned by NextEra Energy, will build the world’s largest solar + storage project in Manatee Country in southwest Florida.
According to RenewEconomy, the FPL says its Manatee Energy Storage Center (to be created alongside existing FPL solar plant in Manatee County) will be built in southwest Florida. The storage capacity of 409 MW and be able to output 900 MWh of electricity – the equivalent of powering 329,000 homes for 2 hours.
“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 in quotes on the 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.” he continued.
“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.” Silagy finished. It sounds like a fanstatic goal and we’re super excited to see if they’re able to reach it.
Even though we usually report about Australian solar goings-on, this was too good to pass up. Great news for Nextra Energy, Florida Power & Light, Manatee Country, and for the world as a whole. The revolution continues.
“FPL is pioneering a clean energy revolution for our state that’s come full circle for our community,” said Stephen Jonsson, who is the chairman of the board of County Commissioners in Manatee County.
The growth of solar + storage projects has been helped by significant cost reductions in battery storage. The latest Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCoE) figures published by Bloomberg New Energy Finance last week which showed that the LCoE for lithium-ion batteries dropped 35% in 2018 to US$187/MWh.
We’ll keep you posted on any updates!
