Florida boasts a mix of nuclear power facilities that contribute significantly to the state’s energy needs. Below are the top five nuclear power plants, showcasing their features and impact on the energy landscape:
- Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station
- Location: Homestead, Florida
- Status: Operational
- Capacity: 2,754 MW
- The largest nuclear plant in Florida and 11th largest in the U.S., Turkey Point uses unique cooling canals instead of conventional towers. It powers 2.5 million homes and contributes 20% of South Florida’s electricity.
- St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant
- Location: Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie County, Florida
- Status: Operational
- Capacity: 2,400 MW
- Situated on Hutchinson Island, this plant’s two reactors have supplied power for over 45 years, covering about 20% of the state’s electricity needs.
- Levy County Nuclear Power Plant
- Location: Levy County, Florida
- Status: Abandoned
- Capacity: 2,200 MW (proposed)
- Initially planned as one of the largest nuclear facilities, the project was halted in 2017 due to cost, changing energy dynamics, and local opposition.
- Offshore Power Systems
- Location: Jacksonville, Florida
- Status: Not Operational
- Capacity: 1,200 MW
- Initially conceived as mobile nuclear plants, the project was discontinued. Today, Offshore Power Systems (OffPS) play a role in promoting renewable energy solutions, especially in coastal communities.
- Crystal River Energy Complex
- Location: Crystal River, Florida
- Status: Operational
- Capacity: 860 MW (nuclear plant now inactive, complex runs on fossil fuels)
- Once housing a nuclear unit, this complex now primarily relies on fossil fuels, with an ongoing transition to natural gas, maintaining its position as a major energy provider in Florida.
These plants underscore Florida’s evolving energy journey, with a mix of operational and historical facilities that have shaped the state’s power generation capabilities
