The Sunshine State's carbon-neutral energy projects are kicking into overdrive. In 2019, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) — the nation's largest energy company as measured by retail electricity produced and sold — announced a groundbreaking "30-by-30" plan to install 30 million solar panels in Florida by 2030, representing one of the largest solar expansions in the world.
As companies look to achieve net zero emissions, Florida's clean energy infrastructure and initiatives are creating an environment ripe with opportunity for sustainability-minded companies.
"From our perspective [sustainability has] been a focus for quite some time," said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL in an interview with New Statesman. "Being clean and sustainable is not only the right thing to do, it's just good business."
Driving down cost. Pushing toward clean tech.
Florida has been on the rise with several renewable energy initiatives since 2019. With its current trajectory, the state is positioned to surpass North Carolina and Georgia in megawattage output from solar grids.
Sunshine Gateway Solar Energy Center, FPL's 953-acre solar plant composed of 351,230 solar panels, is capable of generating 74.5 megawatts of energy — enough solar energy to fuel 15,000 homes and with an emissions reduction equivalent to removing 14,000 cars from the road. A staggering 112,500 metric tons of carbon emissions are prevented annually through the Columbia County solar center.
In 2021, FPL also began construction on the world's largest integrated solar-powered battery in Manatee County with a 409-megawatt capacity. This cutting-edge technology will enable the utility provider to store solar power for use in the nighttime and will eradicate the only fossil-fuel power plant still in the region — an effort that will eliminate 1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
FPL's clean power plants have saved customers nearly $11 billion in fuel costs since 2001.
Innovation and talent in energy conservation
Not only do FPL's progressive energy initiatives help draw both new and traditional businesses to the state, they also encourage new innovations and programs that help move Florida's economy forward through entrepreneurship.
One such program is 35 Mules, an innovation hub powered by FPL. Launched in 2020, 35 Mules helps entrepreneurs bring their innovative, technology-driven ideas to life faster, smarter and at-scale. The companies each have a dedicated workspace on FPL's campus, access to subject matter experts in solar, renewables, innovation and smart grid, and coaching from executives, along with a non-dilutive grant of up to $100,000 to put toward their venture.
Welcoming business climate
For businesses with lofty corporate governance goals looking to avoid more overpriced regions, Florida offers no state income tax. Additionally, 2021 marked the start of a generous 26% rebate in federal business taxes per $30,000 spent for firms with initiatives to integrate solar power into their operations.
With innovative energy solutions and business friendly policies, companies that move to Florida are poised to achieve the increasingly important triple bottom line.
Interested in learning more about how Florida is helping businesses find cost-effective solution for their sustainability goals? Contact our team today
