FPL | Nuclear Power Plant Approval/Construction Process
 

Nuclear Power Plant Approval/Construction Process

Many important technical, environmental and economic issues must be evaluated before FPL could commit to constructing a new nuclear facility. If we don’t begin now, however, FPL may not be able to provide new nuclear generation in the future when it is most needed.

Current status – On June 30, 2009, FPL filed a Combined License Application with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a Site Certification Application with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and a permit application with the Army Corps of Engineers. These applications are part of a stepwise approach to create the option to build additional nuclear generation for the benefit of our customers. 

Now that this application has been filed, FPL will engage in an extensive multi-agency review process on the local, state and federal level. There are multiple opportunities for individuals and groups to learn more and participate in the process. 

Reviews and approvals to date – As part of the process, FPL requested a Determination of Need with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) on Oct. 16, 2007, proposing to expand its nuclear fleet by building two new nuclear units at the existing Turkey Point generating complex. On April 11, 2008, the Florida PSC issued the final order approving Turkey Point Nuclear Units 6 and 7.

On May 1, 2008, we filed with the PSC for the costs incurred to date for these projects, as well as cost estimates for the remainder of 2008 and projections for 2009, as required by the rule under Florida Statutes and the PSC's Nuclear Cost Recovery Rule. The approval and construction process is lengthy; this yearly filing allows the PSC to conduct a prudence review of costs incurred and a reasonableness review of costs projected to be recovered through the rule. If, at some point, it is determined that the project is not in the best interest of customers, it can be terminated, modified or postponed. Only the project costs up to that time would be subject to recovery by the company.

COLA Timeline
PPSA Timeline