#United States #Origis Energy #Rice Creek Solar #FMPA #Putnam County

Completion of Rice Creek Solar Energy Center

In a remarkable development for renewable energy in the Sunshine State, the Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) has announced the successful completion of the Rice Creek Solar Energy Center. This facility, developed in collaboration with local municipal electric utilities and Origis Energy, is set to provide nearly 75 MWac of carbon-free electricity to twelve cities across Florida.

A Significant Contribution to Renewable Energy

Located in Putnam County, close to Palatka, the Rice Creek Solar Energy Center is the third site to be inaugurated under the Florida Municipal Solar Project—a notable initiative among the largest municipal-backed solar projects in the nation. Featuring an impressive array of 213,000 solar panels, the facility is capable of generating sufficient energy to power approximately 14,000 homes. This is a substantial stride toward fostering a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape in Florida.

The twelve municipal utilities benefiting from the energy generated at the Rice Creek facility include Beaches Energy Services (Jacksonville Beach), Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, Homestead, Keys Energy Services (Key West), Kissimmee Utility Authority, Lake Worth Beach, Mount Dora, New Smyrna Beach Utilities, Newberry, Ocala, the Town of Havana, and Winter Park. Notably, it marks the first solar power project for the cities of Havana, New Smyrna Beach, and Newberry, demonstrating the expanding reach of solar energy within the state.

Collaborative Efforts Yielding Results

Jacob Williams, the general manager and CEO of FMPA, expressed optimism regarding the enhanced accessibility of affordable and clean energy for its members. "We are excited to expand our solar power generation and bring even more affordable and clean energy to our members," he stated. Through collaborative efforts among FMPA and local utilities, the initiative significantly enriches the supply of solar-powered energy available to consumers, reflecting a growing commitment to renewable sources of energy.

Josh Teigiser, Managing Director of Origination and Clean Hydrogen for Origis Energy, echoed these sentiments by emphasizing the importance of cost-effective clean energy solutions. "FMPA is doing all it can to bring cost-effective clean energy to a large base of customers in the Sunshine State. Long-term agreements for solar generation, including for Rice Creek Solar, provide a stable rate base contributing to lower and more predictable customers' bills," he remarked.

Looking Ahead: Future Solar Projects

The completion of the Rice Creek Solar Energy Center is not the end of the road for the Florida Municipal Solar Project. Plans are already underway for a fourth solar installation, the Whistling Duck Solar project in Levy County, which began construction at the tail end of 2024. The ongoing expansion aims to increase the number of solar sites to seven over the next few years, with an anticipated total power generation capacity of around 525 MWac.

For additional details about the Rice Creek project, visit Origis Energy's official site. To learn more about the Florida Municipal Solar Project or FMPA, please visit their webpage at FMPA.

Conclusion

The Rice Creek Solar Energy Center signifies a major advancement in Florida's transition to renewable energy, offering a glimpse into a greener future. By leveraging innovative partnerships and cutting-edge solar technology, FMPA and Origis Energy are not just meeting the energy needs of today but paving the way for tomorrow's sustainable power solutions.