Duke Energy begins construction on two new solar sites in north Florida

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy Florida has announced the construction of two new solar projects in Bay and Madison counties, set to begin in March 2023. These facilities, each with a capacity of 74.9 megawatts, are expected to generate enough carbon-free electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes at peak output. The projects are part of the Clean Energy Connection program and are projected to create 200-300 temporary jobs during construction. Additionally, due to changes in federal tax credits, the solar power plants are anticipated to save customers over $30 million in 2022. Duke Energy aims to enhance energy diversity and contribute to cleaner energy solutions for Florida residents.

Positive

• Construction of two solar projects expected to generate 149.8 MW combined capacity.
• Projects will provide enough power for 46,000 homes at peak output.
• Creation of 200-300 temporary jobs during construction.
• $30 million in savings for customers due to federal tax credits.

Negative

• None.

• Solar projects in Bay and Madison counties add to the company's growing renewable generation portfolio
• At peak output, each site will generate enough carbon-free electricity to power nearly 23,000 homes

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Florida today announced two new solar projects will begin construction later this month in Bay and Madison counties.

The new projects are part of the company's community solar program, Clean Energy Connection, and advance the company's commitment to cleaner energy solutions to benefit Florida customers.

Construction on the following sites will begin in March and will take approximately nine to 12 months to complete, creating approximately 200 to 300 temporary jobs during that time.

• Mule Creek Renewable Energy Center will be built on approximately 700 acres that includes thoughtful site buffers for the community in Bay County, Fla. Once operational, the 74.9-megawatt (MW) facility will consist of approximately 175,000 solar panels.
• After a successful community open house, Winquepin Renewable Energy Center will be built on approximately 530 acres in Madison County, Fla. Once operational, the 74.9-MW facility will consist of approximately 220,000 solar panels.

At peak output, each site will generate enough carbon-free electricity to power what would be equivalent to around 23,000 homes.

"These new renewable energy projects not only help strengthen the energy diversity in the state and advance our clean energy goals, but they also bring additional economic benefits to the communities we serve," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president.

Based on Duke Energy Florida's current fuel mix, each 74.9-MW solar facility displaces about 1.2 million cubic feet of natural gas, 15,000 barrels of fuel oil and 12,000 tons of coal each year.

In 2022, because of high fuel prices and the benefits from initial tax credits due to a new federal law, the Inflation Reduction Act, Duke Energy Florida's solar power plants will save customers more than $30 million.

Clean Energy Connection program

Through the Clean Energy Connection program, Duke Energy Florida customers can subscribe to solar power and earn credits toward their electricity bills without having to install or maintain their own equipment.

Customers subscribe to a portion of solar energy from the company's Clean Energy Connection solar portfolio. The monthly subscription fee will help pay for the cost of construction and operation of the renewable energy centers and is conveniently added to a customer's regular electric bill. Customers also receive a corresponding subscription credit that represents their share of the energy produced by the solar centers in a given month, multiplied by the subscription credit rate, which escalates over the life of the subscription.

Duke Energy Florida customers who are interested in the program can learn more through the Clean Energy Connection website.

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 10,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.9 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 28,000 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear. 

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2022 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media contact: Audrey Stasko
Media line: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_AudreyS

 

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What solar projects is Duke Energy Florida starting in March 2023?

Duke Energy Florida is commencing construction on two solar projects in Bay and Madison counties, each with a capacity of 74.9 megawatts.

How much electricity will the new solar projects generate?

The new solar projects are expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes each at peak output.

How many jobs will be created by the construction of the solar projects?

The construction of the solar projects is expected to create approximately 200 to 300 temporary jobs.

What are the anticipated savings for customers due to the new solar projects?

The solar power plants are expected to save customers over $30 million in 2022 due to federal tax credits established by the Inflation Reduction Act.

What is the Clean Energy Connection program by Duke Energy Florida?

The Clean Energy Connection program allows customers to subscribe to solar power and earn credits toward their electricity bills without installing their own equipment.