Florida Power & Light today won state approval to build the state’s first new nuclear plants in more than two decades.

The unanimous decision this morning from the Florida Public Service Commission paved the way for the utility to build two new nuclear plants at its Turkey Point power station, 25 miles south of Miami. It also signaled the state’s unwavering support for new nuclear power, despite cost estimates that have tripled in little more than a year.

The project could cost $12-billion to $24-billion, depending on the type of reactor FPL selects. It would be among the largest investments ever undertaken by the nation’s electric industry, and perhaps the most expensive construction project ever built in Florida.

“This is a very historic day in the state of Florida,” said Commission Chairman Matthew Carter.

Florida needs to diversify its fuel supply, reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, and ensure reliable power for its growing population, the
commissioners emphasized.

Customers of the Juno Beach utility could start paying for the
reactors next year. A Florida law passed in 2006 allows utilities to
charge customers for certain costs years before the plants start
producing power.

For more on this story, see our sister blog The Fueling Station.

-Asjylyn Loder, Times Staff Writer