Florida Agencies Give Initial Approval to Duke Energy Combined-Cycle Power Plant

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Several Florida state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Protection, have given their initial stamp of approval to Duke Energy Florida Incorporated's soon-to-be constructed combined-cycle power plant in Citrus County. The natural gas-fired facility would be located at the company's Crystal River Energy Complex. Duke Energy Florida is a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) (Charlotte, North Carolina).

The Crystal River Energy Complex now consists of two certified, 760-megawatt (MW), coal-fired units; a retired 1,080-MW nuclear unit; and two certified fossil-fired units, which are slated for retirement when the new facility begins commercial operations. The company submitted a site certification application August 1, 2014, to construct the plant on an adjacent property. The Department of Environmental Protection issued Duke the required air construction permits for the 1,640-MW plant December 16, 2014.

A report issued on March 13 found that the construction of the Citrus Combined-Cycle Project would have a positive economic impact on the county through "employment opportunities, increased revenue from direct local property tax payments, and sale tax from the purchase of equipment and materials in support of construction activities."

A final decision on the facility is expected in June. The plant, which has a total investment value of $750 million, would be operational by 2018.

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