Florida Construction News staff writer
Duke Energy Florida has filed plans to build four new solar energy facilities in Orange and Sumter counties, adding 300 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity to the electric grid by mid-2028.
The proposed projects are expected to generate an estimated $1 billion in customer savings over their operating lifetimes, primarily through reduced fuel costs, the utility said.
The company filed the plans with the Florida Public Service Commission. Construction is expected to begin at the first site in January 2027.
The Nova Renewable Energy Center in Orange County is scheduled to begin construction in January 2027 and be completed in February 2028. The Bull Creek Renewable Energy Center, also in Orange County, is expected to start construction in March 2027, with completion in April 2028.
Construction of the Hogeye Renewable Energy Center in Sumter County is scheduled to begin in May 2027, with completion expected that month the following year. The Wewahootee Renewable Energy Center in Orange County is also expected to begin construction in May 2027 and be completed in June 2028.
Duke Energy Florida currently owns and operates 25 solar facilities with a combined generating capacity of 1,850 MW. The company estimates each facility can supply enough electricity for about 15,000 homes.
Solar generation also reduces the utility’s reliance on natural gas and other fossil fuels. Duke Energy Florida estimates each solar facility can save customers about $250 million in fuel costs over an operating life of approximately 30 years.
The company also transfers about $75 million annually in production tax credits to customers through the federal Inflation Reduction Act. The credits reduce monthly bills by at least $2.50 for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed, with the savings expected to increase as additional solar facilities come online.
“Duke Energy Florida’s job is to make smart, disciplined investments today that will benefit our customers tomorrow,” said Melissa Seixas, the company’s state president.
“These solar energy sites are just one example of how we’re planning for the future and strengthening our system to continue providing safe, reliable power, at the lowest possible price, for years to come,” she said.
The utility is also expanding its battery storage capacity to store electricity generated during periods of lower demand and make it available when consumption increases.
Duke Energy Florida plans to build more than one gigawatt of battery storage over the next 10 years. The company said the systems will allow it to deliver solar-generated electricity when the sun is not shining and provide additional customer savings through investment tax credits.
