JUNO BEACH, Fla. – Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) today said it proposes making nuclear power a bigger part of Florida’s clean energy future.

At a Public Service Commission workshop on future energy needs today, FPL signaled its intention to file proposals by the end of the third quarter covering the expansion of power production at its existing nuclear generating facilities and to pursue building two new nuclear power units. 

“These projects will meet the needs of our growing state by ensuring safe and reliable power,” said Armando Olivera, president of FPL.   “Nuclear power produces no greenhouse gases, and that is vital as we all work to reduce carbon dioxide emissions that are at the heart of climate change concerns.  Moreover, adding more nuclear power will further diversify our fuel mix, which should contribute to increased price stability for our customers.” Olivera noted.

FPL proposes to add approximately 400 megawatts of power capacity to its existing nuclear power plants at Turkey Point in Miami-Dade County and at its St. Lucie County facility.  Subject to a number of factors, including timely regulatory approvals, this added capacity is expected to be in place by 2012.  FPL also plans to pursue the option of adding two new nuclear power units to the existing Turkey Point complex by 2020, a move that would add up to 3,000 megawatts of power to the Florida electric grid.

Nuclear power currently provides 20 percent of the energy needs of FPL’s 4.4 million customer accounts.  With FPL’s customer base expected to grow to 5.5 million customers by 2020, the new projects will have nuclear power meeting more than 30 percent of the increased total energy demand at that time.  FPL projects that the additional nuclear power will keep an estimated 11 million tons of carbon dioxide out of Florida skies every year.

“Additional nuclear energy will be a major contributor to meeting Governor Crist’s aggressive goals for reducing greenhouse gases while cost effectively supporting the needs of a growing population in Florida.  It also will help cushion the price swings associated with oil and natural gas,” FPL’s Olivera noted. “And for nearly 35 years, nuclear power has been providing our customers with safe, affordable and reliable power.”

FPL acknowledges that its plans for building new nuclear units are still at an early stage of development.  Before the company makes a final decision on any nuclear expansion, it will be involved in extensive, wide-ranging discussions and consultations with local residents and governments.  In addition, the proposals will require extensive review and approvals from state and federal agencies, including the Public Service Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.   

FPL is recognized nationally as a clean energy leader by Innovest, an independent firm that rates corporate environmental performance.

For more information about FPL’s nuclear power program, visit fpl.com, highlight Electricity & Our Environment and click on Nuclear Power Serves You. 

Florida Power & Light Company is the principal subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE: FPL), nationally known as a high quality, efficient and customer-driven organization focused on energy-related products and services. With annual revenues of nearly $16 billion and a growing presence in 26 states, FPL Group is widely recognized as one of the country’s premier power companies. Florida Power & Light Company serves 4.4 million customer accounts in Florida. FPL Energy, LLC, FPL Group’s competitive energy subsidiary is a leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable fuels. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.FPL.com, www.FPLGroup.com and www.FPLEnergy.com.