Manatee Energy Storage Center: World’s Largest Solar-powered Battery 75% Complete
Florida Power and Light Company announced that crews installed the first battery modules for the Manatee Energy Storage Center – the world’s largest solar-powered battery storage facility – which is now 75% finished with 100 of 132 total containers already installed.
The FPL Manatee Energy Storage Center will have a 409-MW capacity with the ability to deliver 900 MWh of energy – enough to power 329,000 homes for more than two hours. Charged by the existing Manatee Solar Energy Center, the battery will increase the predictability of solar – extending its benefits even when the sun’s not shining, such as at night or on a cloudy day. By deploying energy from the batteries when there is higher demand for electricity, FPL will offset the need to run other power plants – further reducing emissions and saving customers money through avoided fuel costs.
“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.”
Each battery module weighs more than 200 pounds and is capable of storing an amount of solar energy equivalent to roughly 2,000 iPhone batteries. Combined, the battery system will be equivalent to approximately 100 million iPhone batteries. In addition to installing the project’s first battery modules, FPL announced the company has already installed 100 of 132 energy storage containers and set all 132 of the project’s inverters.
“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.”
Ultimately, the battery system will consist of 132 energy storage containers 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.
FPL’s rapid integration of innovative battery storage technology
The company’s rapid integration of innovative battery storage technology will enable FPL customers to enjoy the benefits of solar energy even when the sun’s not shining – such as at night or on a cloudy day – and will allow FPL to provide clean energy to customers when demand is highest. By the end of the decade, an additional 700 MW of battery storage – the equivalent of powering 140,000 homes or charging more than 400,000 electric vehicles – will be added to FPL’s service area. This is a nearly 186% increase from 2021.
