Florida muni group looks to diversify portfolio with 300-MW gas plant, solar, biomass, nuclear

摘要

Florida's municipal utilities are seeking to build a diversified generation portfolio that avoids a heavy dependence on natural gas, the munis' statewide group said last week in testimony aimed at securing state regulatory approval for their plan to build a 300-MW gas-fired plant. Florida Municipal Power Agency, which secures wholesale power for most of Florida's munis, announced in January that it plans to build the combined-cycle plant at the Cane Island power station in Osceola County, Florida (EUW, 14 Jan, 19). FMPA managers and consultants said in filed testimony to the Florida Public Service Commission that the combined-cycle project will cost $422 million, or just over $l,400/kW, and that the project represents the least-cost alternative for securing incremental power the group's 15 muni members will need. But FMPA also is developing plans for other, non-gas projects, they said. The muni group plans to buy up to 100 MW of solar generating capacity, and is in talks with the unidentified developer of a 58-MW biomass-fired project to purchase the output of that project as well.