Duke Energy explores innovative technologies in Florida, begins construction on floating solar pilot at its Hines Energy Complex

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy Florida initiates construction on its first floating solar pilot project in Polk County, set to enhance clean energy production. Featuring over 1,800 floating solar modules and covering approximately 2 acres, the project will generate nearly 1 megawatt of power. Scheduled for completion within five to six months, it is part of the Vision Florida program aimed at innovative energy solutions. Duke Energy aims for significant carbon emission reductions, targeting net-zero emissions in electricity generation by 2050.

Positive

• Initiation of a floating solar pilot project will enhance renewable energy capacity.
• Project contributes to Duke Energy's clean energy goals and carbon reduction targets.

Negative

• None.

• Construction set to begin on company's first floating solar pilot in Florida
• Pilot will feature more than 1,800 floating solar modules, providing even more clean, carbon-free energy for customers

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Florida today announced that its first floating solar array pilot will begin construction later this month in Polk County.

The almost 1-megawatt floating solar array will feature more than 1,800 floating solar modules and occupy approximately 2 acres of water surface on an existing cooling pond at the Duke Energy Hines Energy Complex in Bartow.

"We're excited to get hands-on experience with Duke Energy Florida's first floating solar project at one of our own power plant sites," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "Unique pilots like floating solar are helping us better understand the capabilities of innovative clean energy technologies that can benefit our Florida customers and communities now and in the future."

Crews will construct and assemble the module floating system on land in segments before securing it with anchors in the water. The project will take approximately five to six months.

The pilot is part of Duke Energy's Vision Florida program, which is designed to test innovative projects such as microgrids and battery energy storage, among others, to prepare the power grid for a clean energy future.

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 10,500 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 27,600 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 2023 "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 is the location of Duke Energy's first floating solar pilot?

Duke Energy's first floating solar pilot is located in Polk County, Florida.

How many solar modules will the floating solar pilot feature?

The floating solar pilot will feature more than 1,800 solar modules.

What is the expected output of Duke Energy's floating solar pilot?

The floating solar pilot is expected to generate nearly 1 megawatt of power.

What program is the floating solar pilot part of?

The pilot is part of Duke Energy's Vision Florida program focused on innovative energy solutions.

What are Duke Energy's carbon reduction targets?

Duke Energy aims for net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.