FPL Group (NYSE: FPL) is building a hybrid solar and natural gas-fired power plant in Florida to see if the combination can provide cost and environmental benefits.
Other utilities are building similar projects, but this is the first time that a conventional power plant will be retrofitted with concentrated solar power.
The cost of the 75-megawatts solar installation is expected to be reduced by about 20% compared to a stand-alone power plant, because it will use the same steam turbines already installed for the natural gas facility.
The solar is expected to reduce operating costs and carbon dioxide emissions on the hottest days, when Florida residents are blasting their air conditioners and the concentrated sun light can most-effectively replace natural gas combustion.
Read New York Times coverage at the link below.
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