Jun 5 2010
Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) and NASA will jointly launch Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center, a new photovoltaic solar power facility. The unique public-private partnership demonstrates the commitment of both organizations to deliver clean energy solutions to the state of Florida.
Located at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, FPL’s Solar Energy Center would generate nearly 10 MW of clean energy, which can power over 1,000 homes. NASA, a pioneer in solar power usage for space exploration, teams up with FPL to better use the renewable energy source on its property.
The PV solar power systems at Kennedy Space Center as well as FPL’s Next Generation Solar Energy Center have been designed and built by SunPower Corp. Howard Wenger, president at SunPower, said the company is pleased to partner with FPL and NASA on such key projects.
Robert Cabana, director of the Kennedy Space Center, believes that such commercial partnerships would provide green power to Florida residents, in addition to supporting America’s space program. The Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center facility will reduce carbon emissions by over 227,000 tons during its lifetime.
Armando J. Olivera, FPL President and CEO, said that green power projects like these would have a positive impact in today’s economy, creating new jobs and generating new revenue. Besides, they also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change, Olivera added.
FPL also plans to launch a hybrid solar thermal facility this year. FPL’s three solar projects would together create over 1,500 direct jobs and 5,000 total jobs in Florida during the construction period.
Source: http://www.FPL.com