FPL Selects Siemens' Advanced, Next-Generation H-Class Gas Turbine Technology for Two Plant Modernization Projects in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla., June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Power & Light (FPL) has contracted Siemens Energy to supply six 60-Hz H-class gas turbine-generator packages for the modernization of its Riviera Beach and Cape Canaveral Next Generation Clean Energy Centers in Florida, as well as a 15-year service agreement for all turbines. Each power plant will utilize three 274 MW-rated SGT6-8000H gas turbines. With an efficiency of approximately 60 percent in combined cycle operation, this advanced, next-generation gas turbine technology offers highly flexible operation and industry-leading efficiency, thus leading to a 50 percent reduction in the rate of CO2 emissions.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO )

"We look forward to modernizing our Riviera Beach and Cape Canaveral Next Generation Clean Energy Centers in Florida using Siemens' advanced, highly efficient gas turbine because it will extend the benefits of fuel savings and lower emissions to our customers," said FPL Executive Vice President Tony Rodriguez. "Modernizing the plants with this technology will deliver customer benefits estimated to be between $850 and $950 million over the life of the projects, while keeping current operating costs in line."

The Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center will be located in Riviera Beach, and the Cape Canaveral Next Generation Clean Energy Center will be located in Brevard County, Florida. The Cape Canaveral modernization is scheduled to begin in mid 2010 and the Riviera Beach modernization in late 2010 when the existing 1960s era gas- and oil-fired units will be replaced with the new advanced Siemens H-class gas turbines. The plants are expected to return to service in 2013 and 2014. The combined output of the plants will provide enough clean electricity to power approximately 500,000 homes.

"At a time when energy consumption is flat in the U.S., more and more customers are making long-term strategic decisions to replace older technology with newer, more efficient gas turbines. These companies will be well-positioned to comply with new anticipated Energy legislation that is likely to have stricter environmental controls. With industry-leading efficiency, the reduction in emissions from just these two plants is the equivalent of taking approximately 90,000 cars off the road annually over the life of the plant," said Randy Zwirn, president and CEO of Siemens Energy, Inc. "We look forward to working with FPL on these modernization projects to meet the ever increasing demands for reliable, clean power right here in Florida."

The engineering and design of the air-cooled SGT6-8000H gas turbine took place in Orlando, Florida, Siemens Energy's North America headquarters location. More than 250 Siemens Florida-based engineers and other professionals will be dedicated to working on these projects during the design and installation phase, and more than 5,200 direct and indirect jobs will be created during the construction of the power plants.

"Our innovative H-class gas turbine impressively demonstrates that climate protection and affordable, cost-effective power generation are not mutually exclusive. This demonstrates that Siemens is driving innovation and technology advancements at the right time to continue to provide great value in the power generation field," said Michael Suess, CEO of the Fossil Power Generation Division of Siemens Energy.

Highly efficient gas turbines are part of Siemens' Environmental Portfolio. In fiscal 2009, revenue from the Portfolio totaled approximately EUR23 billion, making Siemens the world's largest supplier of environmentally friendly technologies. In the same period, our products and solutions enabled customers to reduce their CO2 emissions by 210 million tons.

The Siemens Energy Sector is the world's leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services and solutions for the generation, transmission and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion and transport of oil and gas. In fiscal 2009 (ended September 30), the Energy Sector had revenues of approximately EUR25.8 billion and received new orders totaling approximately EUR30 billion and posted a profit of EUR3.3 billion. On September 30, 2009, the Energy Sector had a work force of approximately 85,100. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/energy.

SOURCE Siemens Energy