JEA announced May 15 it finalized an agreement with a division of NextEra Energy Resources to develop three solar generation facilities.
The sites will have a combined available output of 200 megawatts that could provide power for more than 37,000 households.
“These solar energy facilities are an investment in sustainability and reduced emissions for our community for generations to come. This is a crucial step in helping us meet our clean energy goals,” JEA interim Managing Director and CEO Vickie Cavey said in a news release.
Florida Renewable Partners, a division of NextEra Energy Resources, will build, own and operate the facilities on land leased from JEA.
NextEra also owns Florida Power & Light.
FRP will sell the energy produced to JEA through purchase power agreements with a 35-year term.
FRP plans to begin permitting the sites by September. They are expected to be completed and producing solar energy for JEA customers by the end of 2026.
The utility also is exploring the potential for the sites to be paired with clean technologies, such as battery storage.
The release said JEA is implementing an integrated resource plan to reduce carbon emissions and incorporate more emission-free resources into its fleet of power plants. The utility is working toward a goal of 35% clean energy by 2030.
When the sites are operational, solar energy is expected to comprise an additional 3% of JEA’s energy mix, which includes about 10% nuclear power and 4% from other renewable resources.