FP&L Files Paperwork with Florida PSC on Need for Additional Reactors

From FP&L:

Florida Power & Light Company today proposed making nuclear power a bigger part of Florida’s energy future. In the first step toward building two new nuclear power units at its Turkey Point generating complex, FPL filed its plans with the Florida Public Service Commission.

FPL’s nuclear power expansion proposals, which place the utility at the forefront of new nuclear projects nationwide, are designed to meet its customers’ rapidly growing demand for emission-free electric power and protect Florida’s environment.

“Additional nuclear energy can help supply reliable, affordable power to our customers while avoiding greenhouse gas emissions that scientists have determined contribute to climate change,” said Armando Olivera, FPL’s President. “Nuclear power helps to meet Governor Charlie Crist’s goals for reducing emissions and diversifying our fuel sources.”

Today’s filing, seeking what is called a determination of need by the Public Service Commission (PSC), was the first step in obtaining formal approval from state regulators to construct the two additional units at FPL’s existing Turkey Point nuclear power complex by 2020. This project would add between 2,200 and 3,000 megawatts of emission-free capacity to the company’s generating fleet and would produce enough energy each year to power the needs of over 1 million residential customers.

Thanks to The Fueling Station for the pointer.