Renewable Energy
Recognizing the importance research plays in this emerging industry, major state
universities, including Southwest Florida’s Florida Gulf Coast University, are actively
pushing new technologies to ensure Florida’s continued dominance in the field.
In comparison to the highest ranked US solar location, Florida enjoys 85% of the
maximum solar photovoltaic resource. Current state projections place an
additional 1,144 jobs and $935M from solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing,
construction and installation by 2015.
By virtue of its geography, mild climate, and strong agricultural sector, Florida
offers significant solar, biomass, and ocean energy resources. Florida’s oceans
present a vast, untapped source for electricity generation, as well as hydrogen
production and residential cooling. Florida’s 1,200 miles of coastline and proximity
to the Gulf Stream - the most energy dense ocean current - make the state ideally
situated for a range of ocean energy R&D and deployment activities. In particular,
the warm waters and strong ocean currents off the coast of Southwest Florida hold
strong potential for current and ocean thermal energy generation.
Florida Gulf Coast University is building the largest solar farm at any university in
the world at their main campus in Fort Myers. The $17M project which extends
over 16 acres will supply all the energy needs of the 9,500 students at the campus
and will save the university $22M over 30 years.
For more information, contact info@abrighterplace.com today.