8:00 a.m. – Departure to TECO’s Clean Energy Demonstration Center at the Florida Conservation & Technology Center adjacent to the Big Bend Power Station. 

The Big Bend Modernization project is installing state-of-the-art combined-cycle technology and will eliminate coal as the fuel for Unit 1.  Unit 2 will be retired. When complete in 2023, the project will be capable of producing 1,090 MW.  This project will improve the land, water and air emissions at Big Bend. When this project is complete, Tampa Electric will use less coal to generate electricity, use less water, produce less wastewater and reduce air emissions. The project will save our customers money, and, coupled with our significant increase in solar power, will make Tampa Electric substantially cleaner and greener than it is today.

On the agenda:

Tour of Clean Energy Center with demonstrations of solar, flow battery storage and wind generation

-1 MW floating solar array with 2 types of panels regular & bi-facial

-1 MW agrivoltaic facility (farming and solar on one site) (in final phases of construction)

What can be included if there is interest by the attendees:  tours of our partner facilities:

-Manatee Viewing Center boardwalk (manatee viewing unlikely at this time but a good view of the coal plant)

-FL Aquarium Turtle Rescue Center

-University of FL Coral Research Center

-Fl Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) – Youth Conservation Center

-FWC Marine Fish Hatchery

After the tour the bus will swing by the airport to drop off those who have flights that afternoon.  The bus should be at the airport around 2 p.m.

The fee is $125.