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Duke Energy Florida's Solar Commitment

Duke Energy Florida has reached an impressive milestone with the completion of all ten of its Clean Energy Connection solar projects. These sites, now fully operational, contribute nearly 750 megawatts of solar energy generation, fulfilling the company's commitment to the Florida Public Service Commission made back in 2020. This achievement stands out as a crucial step in modernizing the energy grid while promoting sustainability across Florida.

Importance of Solar Development

As Melissa Seixas, President of Duke Energy Florida, aptly notes, solar development plays a critical role in maintaining a robust and resilient electric grid. This initiative signifies the company's dedication to enhancing its energy offerings while ensuring reliability and affordability for its customers. The ongoing upgrade of Duke Energy's generation fleet aims to meet the energy demands of the future, providing clean energy solutions for the communities they serve.

Each solar site within the Clean Energy Connection is capable of generating enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes at peak output. Furthermore, the deployment of these solar facilities has notable environmental benefits, including the displacement of significant amounts of fossil fuels. It is estimated that these sites will collectively displace around 1.2 million cubic feet of natural gas, 15,000 barrels of fuel oil, and 12,000 tons of coal every year.

Economic Impact

Beyond the environmental advantages, the Clean Energy Connection projects have also fostered economic development within Florida. Throughout the construction phase, these solar facilities created over 1,500 temporary jobs and contributed substantial tax revenue to their respective counties. This dual positive impact highlights the importance of clean energy initiatives not only for sustainability but also for local economies.

Overview of Solar Sites

The ten Clean Energy Connection solar sites are strategically located across Florida, from Bay County in the north to Hardee County in the south. Here is a brief overview of these sites:

• - Bay Ranch Renewable Energy Center, Bay County: Completed in April 2023
• - Bay Trail Renewable Energy Center, Citrus County: Completed in September 2022
• - County Line Renewable Energy Center, Gilchrist County: Completed in August 2024
• - Falmouth Renewable Energy Center, Suwannee County: Completed in June 2024
• - Fort Green Renewable Energy Center, Hardee County: Completed in June 2022
• - Hardeetown Renewable Energy Center, Levy County: Completed in April 2023
• - High Springs Renewable Energy Center, Alachua County: Completed in April 2023
• - Hildreth Renewable Energy Center, Suwannee County: Completed in April 2023
• - Mule Creek Renewable Energy Center, Bay County: Completed in March 2024
• - Winquepin Renewable Energy Center, Madison County: Completed in December 2024

Community Engagement

In addition to the environmental and economic benefits, Duke Energy’s Clean Energy Connection program empowers customers to engage directly with renewable energy initiatives. Customers can subscribe to support a portion of the solar energy produced by these sites, receiving credits on their electricity bills without needing to install or manage equipment. This subscription not only helps cover the operational costs of the solar sites but also encourages wider participation in sustainability efforts.

Future Prospects

Duke Energy Florida's commitment to renewable energy is far from finished. The company currently operates over 25 solar sites that collectively produce nearly 1,500 megawatts of clean energy. Looking ahead, another twelve solar sites are planned to be developed between 2025 and 2027, which will contribute an additional 900 megawatts.

For the foreseeable future, Duke Energy aims to add at least 450 megawatts of utility-scale solar energy annually for the next decade. Such ambitious goals underline the importance of advancing renewable energy in combating climate change and ensuring a stable energy future.

About Duke Energy

Duke Energy Florida is a subsidiary of Duke Energy, which is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States. The company operates multiple utilities serving over 8 million customers across various states, including Florida. Their focus on clean energy transitions reflects a broader commitment to sustainability, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while enhancing the reliability and affordability of their energy offerings.

For more information on the Clean Energy Connection and Duke Energy's sustainability initiatives, visit duke-energy.com. Follow them on social media platforms like X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for the latest news and updates on their clean energy projects.