Florida Power & Light (FPL) has started producing hydrogen from electrolysis at its Cavendish Solar Energy Center in Florida’s Okeechobee County, the utility announced.While a portion of the solar energy will flow directly to the grid, the rest will power a series of electrolyzers. The hydrogen produced will be compressed, stored and mixed into existing natural gas infrastructure at FPL’s Okeechobee Clean Energy Center, a 3-on-1 combined-cycle plant with a capacity of approximately 1622 MW.
All of the components together make up what FPL calls its “Cavendish NextGen Hydrogen Hub.” Construction of the facility is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
FPL said a 5% blend of hydrogen will initially be tested in one of Okeechobee Clean Energy Center’s natural gas combustion turbines.
The utility aims to fully decarbonize its power generation assets by 2045.
“What we discover could eventually help us hedge against the volatility and cost of fuel,” said Tim Oliver, vice president of development at FPL. “This is about creating more options for affordable and clean electricity for Florida.”
