Duke Energy has delivered 700MW of clean energy to Florida with the completion of a new solar facility in Hardee County.
The 74.9MW Charlie Creek Solar Power Plant is the last of 10 solar sites that are part of the company’s multi-year plan on file with the Florida Public Service Commission from 2018 through 2022.
Duke Energy Florida state president Melissa Seixas said: “Today we are delivering on our promise to build a cleaner, brighter energy future for our customers.
“By 2024, we plan to provide 1500MW of solar generation as part of our ongoing strategy to offer cleaner, smarter energy solutions that will benefit all Florida customers.”
In addition to carbon reduction and the benefits of creating a diverse energy infrastructure, solar development fosters economic development and job creation in the areas that Duke Energy serves.
During construction, the projects brought nearly 2,400 temporary construction jobs to the area.
All 10 solar facilities are located throughout Florida, as far south as Highlands County and as far north as Hamilton County.
With a combined investment of more than US$2bn (€2bn), Duke Energy Florida’s solar generation portfolio will include 25 grid-tied solar power plants, which will benefit all Florida customers and will provide about 1500MW of emission-free generation from approximately 5 million solar panels by 2024.