FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE: December 12, 2002
DEP-FPL Partnership Tests
New Energy Source
--Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
first to use fuel cell technology--
FORT LAUDERDALE -
Florida powered up its long-term commitment to energy and
the environment today with the launch of a year-long
demonstration project to study “next generation”
energy sources. Using the latest advances in fuel cell
technology, the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) is partnering with Florida Power &
Light Company (FPL) to research a potential reliable,
clean energy that may reduce the state's reliance on
imported fuels while ensuring cleaner air for Florida's
communities.
"Over the next ten
years, $9 billion will be spent worldwide on fuel cell
development," said DEP Secretary David B. Struhs.
"By serving as a proving ground for new energy
technology, we are further diversifying the economy,
addressing future energy demands and strengthening the
state's progressive environmental agenda."
As part of an FPL research
program, a five-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell is now
installed at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park providing
electricity to FPL’s distribution network. Powered by
natural gas, the electrochemical device combines hydrogen
and oxygen to produce electric power without combustion, a
factor that lowers emissions levels.
“At FPL, our goal is to
meet the electrical needs of our customers in the most
environmentally sensitive manner possible,” said Randy
LaBauve, FPL vice president for environmental services.
“By gaining a more complete understanding of how fuel
cells work and how their use might impact our statewide
electrical network, we can better evaluate the potential
of fuel cells in providing clean electric generation for
Florida’s future."
Florida's award-winning
state park system is serving as a test site for the
residential use of the breakthrough fuel cell technology.
The field demonstration will allow researchers to monitor
fuel cell performance, evaluate efficiency and determine
actual operating capabilities. The Hugh Taylor Birch State
Park fuel cell installation is the first of up to five
planned by FPL within its 34-county service area.
"Florida's energy and
environmental futures are inextricably linked," said
DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs Allan Bedwell.
"It is critical that we secure tomorrow's source of
energy by investing in new technology today.”
-30-
Press Office
