FPL has secured solar sites throughout the state, which will enable the company to continue to build solar energy centers across Florida. The end result -- what is expected to be the largest installation of solar panels by a regulated utility in the world and a 67 percent fleet-wide reduction in CO2 emissions rate by 2030 as compared to the national average.
FPL and its sister company, NextEra Energy Resources, are already the world's largest producers of renewable energy from the wind and sun and, when this plan is completed, FPL expects to be the largest utility owner and operator of solar in America. FPL will also be investmenting in advanced and innovative battery storage technology that will extend the use of clean, affordable solar energy even after the sun has gone down.
"FPL's '30-by-30' plan is a monumental commitment to the State of Florida, our clean energy progress and the economic well-being of our cities, counties and all Florida workers and residents," said state Senator Bill Montford (D), Chairman of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
FPL already has begun pairing battery storage technology at its solar power plants. Future technology is planned to increase the capacity and cost-effectiveness of batteries, making them a vital part of FPL's future. As a result, the company projects to deploy a significant amount of battery storage throughout Florida by 2030.
FPL's planned renewable energy generation and storage, combined with its nuclear power plants in St. Lucie and Miami-Dade counties, is projected to generate more than 40 percent of its electricity emissions-free by 2030, even as the state's population – the third highest in the nation – continues to grow. In fact, the company's 2030 CO2 emissions rate target represents a 67 percent reduction versus the 2005 U.S. electric industry average.
FPL is also poised to eliminate its only remaining coal plant in Florida by the end of this year. The company shut down two coal plants in Jacksonville in 2016 and 2018, respectively, collectively preventing nearly seven million tons of carbon emissions annually.
