Press Mention Creative Loafing Tampa November 13, 2012
SACE Referenced
New report says up to 11 coal plants in Florida should be put out to pasture
In this mention
A new report by the Union of Concerned Scientists in partnership with SACE identifies 353 coal-fired power generators across 31 states as economically unviable, with Florida ranking fourth among states with the most coal capacity for closure. The report highlights 11 units at seven Florida plants as candidates for retirement, arguing that switching to cleaner energy sources and energy efficiency investments make greater economic sense than extending the life of aging coal plants.
Our analysis shows that switching to cleaner energy sources and investing in energy efficiency often makes more economic sense than spending billions to extend the life of these obsolete coal plants
Susan Glickman
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Full transcript
A new report lists Florida as fourth on a list of states with the most coal-fired generating capacity that should be considered for closure.
Ripe for Retirement: The Case for Closing America's Costliest Coal Plants said that as many as 353 coal-fired power generators in 31 states are no longer economically viable — especially when compared to cleaner, more affordable energy sources — including 11 units at seven plants in Florida.
The report was written by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) in partnership with Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE).
According to the report, the top five states with plants that should be put into retirement mode are Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida and Michigan.
"Our analysis shows that switching to cleaner energy sources and investing in energy efficiency often makes more economic sense than spending billions to extend the life of these obsolete coal plants," said Steve Frenkel, report co-author and director of UCS's Midwest office.