Florida Power & Light Company Prepares to Turn Water into Clean Energy at First-of-its-Kind Plant

FPL Cavendish NextGen Hydrogen Hub is the first ‘green hydrogen’ plant in Sunshine State.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA— Florida Power & Light Company recently broke ground on a first-of-its-kind pilot program that will use sunlight and water to create carbon-free energy.

The FPL Cavendish NextGen Hydrogen Hub is the first ‘green hydrogen’ plant of its kind in the Sunshine State. The pilot project features innovative, clean energy technology that could lay the groundwork for unlocking a 100% carbon-free electricity future.

“This is an exciting step toward building a more resilient and sustainable energy future for our customers and Florida,” said Tim Oliver, vice president of FPL development. “

This pilot project at the FPL Cavendish NextGen Hydrogen Hub will help us maximize our learnings about this innovative technology that could one day be the key to unlocking a 100% carbon-free future.”

‘Green hydrogen’ refers to the creation of hydrogen using renewable, carbon-free energy. The FPL Cavendish Solar Energy Center, which is currently under construction, will power equipment called an electrolyzer, which splits water into its two elements: hydrogen and oxygen.

The oxygen dissipates harmlessly into the air, while the hydrogen is compressed and stored. Hydrogen will be blended with natural gas at one of the existing power generation units at the Okeechobee Clean Energy Center.

“This project will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but it will also help our community lead the way in a growing part of the global energy industry, creating high-paying jobs and economic benefits right here at home,” said Tabitha Trent, president of the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce. 

“I am humbled and honored that FPL chose this location as its inaugural hydrogen site.”

For this project, FPL will test a 5% blend of green hydrogen in one of three natural gas combustion turbines at the Okeechobee Clean Energy Center. This pilot program is a step toward learning how hydrogen technology can benefit customers on the path toward Real Zero™.

We’re taking a toe-in-the-water approach to maximize learning opportunities and what we discover could help reduce the need to burn natural gas. 

FPL plans for green hydrogen to be complementary to its zero-carbon portfolio, which includes solar, battery, and nuclear, by converting 16,000 megawatts of its existing natural gas power generation to green hydrogen as part of its Real Zero goal of eliminating carbon emissions from its power plant fleet by no later than 2045. 

To learn more about FPL’s parent company, NextEra Energy’s Real Zero™ goal, follow the link HERE to its Zero Carbon Blueprint.

Similar Stories