Solar

Duke Energy completes 700 MW solar portfolio in Florida

Completion of the 74.9 MW Charlie Creek Solar Power Plant in Hardee County marks the last of 10 solar projects in Duke’s commitment with the Florida Public Service Commission to bring 700 MW of solar generation online from 2018 through 2022.
Duke Energy completes 700 MW solar portfolio in Florida
Duke Energy's 74.9 MW Charlie Creek Solar Power Plant in Hardee County, Florida (Courtesy: Duke Energy)

Duke Energy said it has completed a 700 MW solar project portfolio in Florida as part of its resource plan filed with regulators.

Completion of the 74.9 MW Charlie Creek Solar Power Plant in Hardee County marks the last of 10 solar projects in Duke's commitment with the Florida Public Service Commission to bring 700 MW of solar generation online from 2018 through 2022.

Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, said the utility plans to provide 1,500 MW of solar generation to residents and businesses by 2024, representing a $2 billion investment.

Duke set goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business and at least a 50% carbon reduction from electric power generation by 2030. The utility has a net-zero target of 2050.

Duke Energy recently completed the first of 10 community solar projects in Florida as part of a new program. Once completed, the Clean Energy Connection community solar program will feature 750 MW of generating capacity.

The Fort Green project was built on around 500 acres of former mining land. The project consists of nearly 265,000 solar panels, using a fixed-tilt racking system that will produce enough energy to power more than 23,000 average-sized homes at peak production.

In August, Duke Energy announced that two battery storage projects in Florida totaling 17.2 MWh of combined energy capacity were brought online in Alachua and Hamilton counties.

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