Mon, 05/12/2014 - 00:00

ERLANGEN, Germany (May 12, 2014) – Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center in Florida began commercial operation on April 1. Plant operator is Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a subsidiary of America’s leading energy utility NextEra Energy Inc. Siemens supplied three of its SGT6-8000H-gas turbines for the project, each of which delivers an electrical generating capacity of 274 megawatts (MW). The Riviera Beach facility is 33 percent more fuel-efficient than the oil-burning power plant units previously installed at this site. The new power plant has cut carbon dioxide emissions by almost 50 percent and reduces air emissions by more than 90 percent. Generating a total output of 1,250 MW, this power plant produces enough electricity to power 250,000 Florida households as well as local industry. “Successful commissioning of this second power plant in the U.S. featuring Siemens’ H-Class gas turbines clearly demonstrates once again the world-class technology our SGT-8000H gas turbines offer. This power plant project is yet further clear testimony to our proven technology leadership,” stated John Wilson, vice president gas turbine sales, Americas at Siemens Energy, Orlando. “The Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center is yet another demonstration of our commitment to dramatically reducing our dependence on foreign oil, while at the same time, delivering clean, reliable and affordable electricity for all of our customers,” said Eric Silagy, president of FPL. The H-Class gas turbines from Siemens set the standard for high performance and efficiency. In May 2011, Siemens’ Model SGT5-8000H gas turbine achieved world-record efficiency of 60.75 percent in combined-cycle operation at Irsching Power Station in Germany. Siemens has sold 28 H-Class gas turbines worldwide to date. Nine of these are in commercial operation having meanwhile clocked up more than 70,000 equivalent operating hours this gas turbine has proven extremely reliably in commercial operation. The Siemens Energy Sector supplies a broad spectrum of products, services and solutions for power generation in thermal power plants and using renewables, power transmission in grids and for the extraction, processing and transport of oil and gas.