Going to Florida to ‘catch some rays’ just took on some added significance.

Real estate developer Kitson & Partners today announced an agreement with electric utility Florida Power & Light to build the world’s largest solar photovoltaic power plant at Babcock Ranch, Florida, creating the world’s first city powered solely by solar energy.

The developers estimate that the 17,000-acre city of Babcock Ranch (I suggest they change the name) will consume less power than the proposed on-site solar facilities will produce, making it the first city on earth powered totally by zero-emission solar energy.  The city of Babcock Ranch will operate on an integrated “smart grid” that will provide greater efficiencies and allow residents and businesses to monitor and control their energy consumption.  All commercial buildings and homes in the new city will be certified as energy-efficient and constructed according to Florida Green Building Council standards.

The “greening” of Babcock Ranch extends beyond its energy production.  Half of its 17,000 acres will be permanently protected as greenways and open space, and the city is adjacent to the 73,000-acre Babcock Ranch Preserve. The Babcock Ranch Preserve was created by the largest-ever completed conservation purchase by the state of Florida, facilitated by Kitson & Partners.

The Kitson-FPL development has the potential to create 20,000 permanent jobs.

via: prnewswire rendering via: babcockranchflorida.com