Duke Energy announced the completion of two solar projects in Alachua and Suwannee counties — delivering 150 megawatts of renewable energy to the grid to benefit Florida customers.
Duke Energy has built the High Springs Renewable Energy Center on 700 acres in Alachua County, Fla. The 74.9-MW facility consists of approximately 216,000 single-axis tracking solar panels.
Duke Energy has built the Hildreth Renewable Energy Center on 635 acres in Suwannee County, Fla. The 74.9-MW facility consists of approximately 220,000 single-axis tracking solar panels.
Each site will generate enough carbon-free electricity to power what would be equivalent to around 23,000 homes.
With an investment of over $2 billion, Duke Energy Florida’s solar generation portfolio will include 25 grid-tied solar power plants that will benefit all of the company’s 1.9 million Florida customers. These projects will provide about 1,500 MW of emission-free generation using approximately 5 million solar panels by 2024.
“The company is well on its way to meeting a major milestone by placing its 21st solar project in operation by the end of this year,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “These investments allow Florida customers to enjoy renewable energy, while also providing cost savings by reducing fuel use.”
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.