Florida Power and Light (FPL) Company has installed the first battery modules for the Manatee Energy Storage Center – the world’s largest solar-powered battery storage facility when operational – which is now 75% finished. The company has already installed 100 of 132 energy storage containers and set all 132 of the project’s inverters.
When completed, the center is expected to have a 409-megawatt (MW) capacity with the ability to deliver 900 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy. This is enough to power about 329,000 homes for more than two hours, according to the release.
“With one milestone after another, FPL is following through on its steadfast commitment to make Florida a leader in sustainability and resiliency as we consistently deliver America’s best energy value – electricity that’s not just clean and reliable, but also affordable,” said FPL President and CEO Eric Silagy.
“In June, we said goodbye to coal by dismantling FPL’s last coal plant in Florida just as we surpassed 40% of the way toward completing our’ 30-by-30′ plan to install 30 million solar panels by 2030. Soon, the world’s largest solar-powered battery will begin serving customers, and we’ll turn our attention to an innovative green hydrogen pilot project – which could unlock the potential for a 100% carbon-free energy future.“
FPL installed the first of more than 50,000 battery modules that will comprise the world’s largest solar-powered battery. According to the company, each battery module weighs more than 200 pounds (91 kg) and is capable of storing an amount of solar energy equivalent to roughly 2,000 iPhone batteries. The complete battery system will be equivalent to approximately 100 million iPhone batteries.
The energy storage containers will be organized across a 40-acre plot of land or the equivalent of 30 football fields. Each container will hold roughly 400 battery modules, which will be charged by the neighboring FPL Manatee Solar Energy Center. FPL expects the battery to begin serving customers later this year.
“With more than 12 million solar panels installed and more than 40 solar energy centers in operation, FPL is building on its rapid solar expansion with the world’s largest solar-powered battery,” said FPL Vice President of Development Matt Valle who delivered today’s construction update. “But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. FPL is implementing innovative battery storage projects across the state, transforming Florida’s transportation landscape with more than 1,000 EV chargers and partnering with universities and municipalities on battery systems that leverage cutting-edge microgrid technology.“
