Duke Energy Florida has proposed four utility-scale solar facilities with a combined generating capacity of 300 megawatts (MW), expanding its renewable energy portfolio as electricity demand continues to grow across the state. Announced on Tuesday, 10th November, the proposal has been submitted to the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). The four facilities are expected to enter service by mid-2028 and will add 300 MW of
emissions-free electricity generation to Florida’s power grid.
The proposal forms part of the company’s long-term strategy to meet rising electricity demand while increasing the contribution of renewable energy to its generation mix. Duke Energy Florida has also outlined plans to build more than 1 gigawatt of battery storage over the next decade. “Our strategy is centered on delivering cleaner energy while maintaining
reliable and affordable service for our customers,” Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, said in a statement.
Four Solar Sites Planned Across Orange and Sumter Counties
The proposed Florida solar projects will be located in Orange and Sumter counties. Three facilities are planned for Orange County, while one site is proposed for Sumter County. The Orange County developments comprise Nova Renewable Energy Center, Bull Creek Renewable Energy Center and Wewahootee Renewable Energy Center. Construction of Nova Renewable Energy Center and Bull Creek Renewable Energy Center is expected to begin early next year. Work on Wewahootee Renewable Energy Center is scheduled to start in May 2027.
Hogeye Renewable Energy Center is the only proposed facility in Sumter County. All four sites have a tentative online date of June 2028. The facilities are collectively expected to provide 300 MW of solar generation capacity when operational.
Renewable Generation Expansion and Battery Storage Plans
The proposed developments represent an additional investment in utility-scale solar generation within Duke Energy Florida’s service area. By adding the four facilities, the company intends to increase the share of renewable energy in its generation portfolio while responding to higher electricity demand.
Alongside the solar proposal, the company plans to develop more than 1 GW of battery storage over the next decade. The supplied announcement does not specify the locations, individual capacities or development schedules for those storage projects. The four Florida solar projects remain subject to the review process following Duke Energy Florida’s filing with the Florida Public Service Commission. Their expected entry into service is mid-2028.