Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has secured a major milestone in its commitment to clean energy with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approving the subsequent license renewal for its Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4. This approval ensures the continued safe operation of these units for the next two decades, extending their lifespan through 2052 and 2053, respectively.
The Turkey Point facility, a vital asset for South Florida, will continue to provide reliable, low-cost, and clean energy to FPL customers for the next three decades. This landmark decision underscores FPL’s dedication to working collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver sustainable energy solutions for the future.
“This approval demonstrates our commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure that we can continue to deliver safe, reliable and clean energy to our customers for decades to come,” said Armando Pimentel, FPL president and chief executive officer. “Turkey Point is an integral part of the local economy and an essential part of FPL’s fuel mix.”
Located 25 miles south of Miami, the Turkey Point facility spans 11,000 acres, encompassing protected mangrove swamps and 168 linear miles of cooling canals. This unique location serves as a critical habitat for the threatened American crocodile and other native species. The plant’s operations are vital for maintaining grid stability and supporting Florida’s growing population. With the capacity to generate enough electricity for nearly 1 million homes and businesses, Turkey Point plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the region.
The NRC’s approval signifies the culmination of a rigorous reapplication process, showcasing FPL’s commitment to exceeding regulatory expectations. “This approval is the culmination of rigorous efforts to meet and exceed regulatory expectations,” stated Turkey Point Site Vice President Mike Strope. “Our team demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise throughout the reapplication process, ensuring that the safe and reliable operation of Turkey Point continues to play a critical role in supplying zero-emissions electricity to FPL customers.”
Beyond its role as a clean energy source, Turkey Point serves as a significant economic engine for the local community. The plant provides approximately 700 permanent jobs and an additional 2,800 jobs during outage operations. Moreover, the plant contributes over $37 million annually in property taxes, supporting the local economy, community services, and infrastructure.
FPL’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in its initiatives beyond power generation. Notably, the company’s Crocodile Monitoring Program, which plays a crucial role in preserving and creating suitable habitats for the threatened American crocodile, has been instrumental in reclassifying the species from endangered to threatened. Additionally, FPL is currently constructing the FPL Clean Water Recovery Center, a collaborative project with Miami-Dade County, which will further treat and reuse up to 15 million gallons of reclaimed water daily from the county to cool the natural gas plant at FPL’s Turkey Point Clean Energy Center. This project, one of the largest water reuse initiatives in the state, is scheduled to become operational in the coming months, offering a cost-effective solution to conserve groundwater and recycle treated wastewater.
The successful license renewal of Turkey Point reaffirms FPL’s leadership in providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions. The company’s other nuclear power plants, St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant and Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant, are currently undergoing their subsequent license renewal application processes, demonstrating FPL’s unwavering commitment to clean and reliable energy solutions for the future.
