The latest project by FPL converts water into renewable energy
In January, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) began construction on a groundbreaking pilot project at one of its power plants to generate carbon-free electricity from sunshine and water, exploring how it can eventually, and cost effectively, replace natural gas with hydrogen. FPL’s Cavendish NextGen Hydrogen Hub is the first-of-its-kind project in the Sunshine State, demonstrating the company’s commitment to innovation and could be the key to unlocking a 100% clean energy future.
A massive step toward renewable energy for FPL
Clean hydrogen is produced from renewable energy sources, and this innovative new pilot utilizes solar power. As the FPL Cavendish Solar Energy Center operates, a portion of clean energy will flow directly to the grid, while the rest will go to power hydrogen production equipment, including an electrolyzer. The electrolyzer splits water into its two basic elements: hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is released harmlessly into the air, while the hydrogen will be compressed, stored and blended with natural gas, and used as fuel in power generation equipment to generate electricity that will provide cleaner energy for FPL customers across the grid.
For this project, a 5% blend of hydrogen will be tested in one of three natural gas combustion turbines. The FPL Cavendish NextGen Hydrogen Hub will help the company maximize learning opportunities as it continues to pursue its Real Zero™ goal of decarbonizing its power-generation infrastructure by 2045 at the latest.
Environmental and economic benefits
For more than 20 years, FPL has been modernizing its power generation fleet through smart, consistent, long-term investments in state-of-the-art energy centers operating on American-made natural gas and solar energy. Clean hydrogen will be complementary to the company’s existing portfolio, which includes natural gas, solar, battery storage and nuclear. The company plans to convert 16,000 MW of existing natural gas units to run entirely on hydrogen.
There are several practical uses for clean hydrogen across Florida industries, including transportation, construction, agriculture, and power generation – which is good for customers and good for Florida. The FPL Cavendish NextGen Hydrogen Hub is expected to be operational by the end of this year.
How do you think this project will affect households in Miami? Can we really progress toward a future with zero carbon emissions? Let us know in the comments!
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