FPL | Manatee Combined-cycle Technology
 

Manatee Combined-cycle Technology

Manatee expansion plant technology works this way:

  • A natural gas, combined-cycle plant produces electricity from two sources of energy instead of one.
  • Combined cycle is about 30 percent more efficient than a traditional steam plant.
  • Energy is produced by combustion of natural gas in a turbine, similar to a jet engine.
  • Energy also is produced by making use of the jet engine exhaust to make steam.
  • Both sources of energy then drive turbines and electric generators to produce electricity.
  

Here's an example of combined-cycle technology under construction in 2000 at FPL's Fort Myers plant site.