Florida Governor Crist Joins Progress Energy To Unveil Renewable Energy System

May 30, 2008 -- ST. PETERSBURG – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today joined Jeff Lyash, president and chief executive officer of Progress Energy Florida, and community leaders to explore possibilities for diversifying technology in Florida’s energy future.

They unveiled plans for Sustainable Electrical Energy Delivery Systems (SEEDS), innovative renewable energy technology that will be evaluated at two St. Petersburg sites including the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and Albert Whitted Park. The sites will serve as research hubs for unique technology that could be used as energy storage for future “Smart Grid” power systems.

“I applaud Progress Energy and their partners for recognizing there is gold in green technology,” Governor Crist said. “Greening the Sunshine State’s businesses and communities stimulates new green technology development and helps secure Florida’s energy future.”

The SEEDS project combines photovoltaic panels and an advanced battery system to supply renewable energy during periods of peak power demand. SEEDS is a renewable energy initiative made possible through a public-private partnership with the University of South Florida, the City of St. Petersburg, Progress Energy Florida and the Florida High-Tech Corridor.

Governor Crist encouraged the university faculty, Progress Energy staff and community leaders to continue today’s discussion at the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change next month. The conference will be held June 25-26, 2008, at the Intercontinental Miami. Building on the foundation for Florida’s energy future that began at last year’s summit, the 2008 summit will focus on stimulating economic development in clean technologies as well as “greening” Florida’s business community.

Joining Governor Crist and Lyash were John Masiello, director of Demand Side Management and Alternative Energy at Progress Energy Florida; Mayor Rick Baker of St. Petersburg; Dr. Christopher D’Elia, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs and professor of environmental sciences and policy at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.

The 2008 summit will bring together industry leaders, policy makers, academics, scientists, environmentalists and the business community to explore opportunities for expanding Florida’s renewable and alternative energy marketplace and greening our business community. By encouraging companies to invest in our state’s energy future, Florida will transform its energy marketplace to enhance fuel diversity, lessen dependence on foreign sources of oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

On July 13, 2007, Governor Charlie Crist signed a suite of executive orders to reduce Florida’s greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and remove market barriers for renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind energy. Since the executive orders were signed, Florida has stepped onto the world stage as a major marketplace for advanced energy technologies. In addition, the Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change Phase II Report, due October 1, 2008, will provide additional recommendations for strategic investments and public-private partnerships to spur climate-friendly economic development opportunities.

For more information on the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, or to register for the conference, visit www.myfloridaclimate.com or www.myflorida.com.

Source: Florida Governor

Bookmark/Search this post with:

 •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •    •