Taken directly from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Center for Ocean Energy Technology, here are some bullets helpful in outlining Florida’s energy crisis:

• Florida is the nation’s fourth most populous state and ranks third nationally in total energy consumption.
• Florida’s population is over 19 million with nearly 1,000 new residents arriving daily. The state’s energy demand is expected to increase by 30% in ten years.
• Natural gas, coal and other emission-causing fossil fuels compose more than 81% of Florida’s electricity-generating capacity, and all near-term (10 year) expansions will be hydrocarbon based.
• During peak demand, Florida’s electricity consumption exceeds its generation capability.
• Florida is completely reliant on out-of-state fuel sources for electricity generation.
• In markets like South Florida’s, demand is quickly outpacing capacity and there is no land available to build new power plants.

Florida Trend recently reported that the State of Florida awarded FAU a $5-million grant to test whether the powerful Gulf Stream off the coast of south Florida might be able to generate electricity for Florida homes and businesses in the future.

Filed under: Energy Efficiency