Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) rapid clean energy expansion is getting a huge boost thanks to a 25-megawatt electrolyzer system supplied by Cummins Inc.
Cummins, which designs, manufactures, and distributes a broad portfolio of power solutions, is contributing the fuel cell for FPL’s groundbreaking Cavendish NextGen Hydrogen Hub – a “green” hydrogen plant – which FPL says could lay the groundwork for a 100% carbon-free energy future.
“At FPL, we are always looking over the horizon and focused on making smart, long-term investments to build a more modern, stronger and cleaner energy grid that future generations can depend on,” said Eric Silagy, FPL President and CEO. “Since building our first solar energy center in 2009, FPL has constructed 50 solar energy centers, commissioned the world’s largest solar-powered battery and embarked on innovative pilot programs to advance microgrid technology and electric vehicle (EV) charging while eliminating coal from our fleet in Florida. Now, we are helping usher in the next era of Florida’s clean energy future with a ‘green’ hydrogen pilot project that could be key to unlocking 100% carbon-free electricity.”
FPL added that Cavendish NextGen Hydrogen Hub will leverage solar energy to power the electrolysis process that produces “green,” or carbon-free, hydrogen from water. Once produced, FPL says the“green” hydrogen will be blended with natural gas and used to power an existing combustion turbine at the co-located FPL Okeechobee Clean Energy Center – producing cleaner energy that will help power FPL customers across the grid.
In total, the system will be composed of five Cummins HyLYZER®-1000 PEM electrolyzers for a total of 25 MW – or 10.8 tons of hydrogen produced per day.
“This project is exciting for Cummins as we establish green hydrogen as a viable way to decarbonize the economy here in the United States,” said Amy Davis, Vice President and President of New Power at Cummins. “An electrolyzer installation of this magnitude further solidifies PEM technology as a key to reaching zero emissions in energy-intensive industries. FPL’s commitment to the acceleration of the energy transition and support of future demand for affordable renewables is one we passionately share.”
Heading into 2022, FPL noted it is committed to its “green” hydrogen pilot alongside continuing the largest solar expansion in the country. The electric company is now over 50% of the way toward completing its “30-by-30″ goal of installing 30 million solar panels – a goal the company now forecasts will come five years earlier in 2025.
Additionally, the company also commissioned the world’s largest solar-powered battery located in Manatee County, in addition to closing and dismantling the company’s last coal plant in Florida last year.
.@insideFPL Announces @Cummins to Supply #Electrolyzer for #Florida’s First “Green” #Hydrogen Plant – Potential Key to #Carbon-Free Electricity – which could lay the groundwork for a 100% carbon-free energy future –https://t.co/rCvCPoFtWF #HydrogenNow #GreenHydrogen #HydrogenNews pic.twitter.com/E2gzN7nClG
— Fuel Cells Works (@fuelcellsworks) February 28, 2022
Glad to note progress in technology.
Going back to 1963,my first job at Nangle fertilizer plant,in India
I was posted in Electrolysis plant.It was that time world’s biggest De-Nora Italy’s unit having 60 unit of electrolyses, using 190 megawatts units of electric energy to produce hydrogen and oxygen For use in ammonia production. I would be interested to work for your new proposed unit for production of hydrogen.
I have some 60 years of experience in production at 6 different units of fertilizers, in the world.presently working with Thornton lab. And testing in tampa.