Advanced energy market hits $6.2 billion in Florida

The advanced energy industry is a major economic force in Florida, at $6.2 billion in 2014 revenue, according to the first comprehensive analysis of the advanced energy market in the state. Advanced energy outpaced the state’s agricultural exports, which totaled $4.2 billion in 2014.

Florida constitutes nearly 4 percent of the total U.S. advanced energy market, with building efficiency, electricity generation and advanced transportation the largest segments of advanced energy business in Florida.

“Advanced Energy in Florida” was produced by Navigant Research, a leading market research firm, for Advanced Energy Economy (AEE), an association of businesses focused on making the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable. Advanced energy is defined as a broad category of technologies and products, made up of the best products and services in seven major industry segments: building efficiency, electricity generation, transportation, fuel production, industry, electricity delivery and management, and fuel delivery.

This report marks AEE’s entry into Florida as an organization.

“Advanced energy companies are creating jobs and contributing to economic prosperity for the state of Florida and our nation,” said Graham Richard, CEO of AEE. “From building efficiency to solar power and electric vehicles, Florida has the potential to become a leader in advanced energy technologies and services, with significant benefits for customers and the state’s economy.”

“AEE should be commended for highlighting the current footprint of advanced energy in Florida,” said Florida State Representative Greg Steube. “We look forward to working on further initiatives that will continue to keep Florida at the forefront of innovative and advanced energy technology.”

Highlights of Florida’s advanced energy industry and its potential for growth include the following:

• Florida is third in the nation for rooftop solar potential and 13th in installed capacity today.

• Florida has the fourth highest potential for commercial Combined Heat and Power (CHP), the most efficient use of fossil fuels for both thermal and electric power, at 5,339 MW.

• Florida Power & Light Co. has deployed almost 5 million smart meters, reaching its entire customer base.

• Drive Electric Florida forecasts an increase in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PEVs) in Southeast Florida from 1,074 PEVs today to 74,000 within a decade.

• Florida has the sixth highest potential for biogas generation from landfills, wastewater treatment, and organic waste.

• Florida is home to some of the first commercial cellulosic biofuel plants in the world.

Florida’s advanced energy market is led by the building efficiency sector. With companies like Johns Manville and Philips active in Florida, the $2.9 billion building efficiency market includes technologies such as geothermal heat pumps, commercial energy-efficient retrofits, energy-efficient lighting and controls, and building energy management systems.

Electricity generation and transportation came in second and third in Florida, with revenue of $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion respectively. Natural gas has almost entirely displaced petroleum fuels, which supplied one-sixth of generation in 2002, and reduced coal’s share from one-third to 21 percent. There are a number of notable utility solar installations, as well as some large commercial installations, and solar services companies stand poised to make the most of the Sunshine State’s vast rooftop solar potential.

In transportation, Florida is already a leader, with revenue surpassing $1.1 billion in 2014 due to strong sales of electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Florida’s three U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) designated clean cities – Orlando, Miami and Tampa metropolitan areas – have been strong drivers of advanced vehicle market adoption.

The report features profiles of advanced energy companies active in Florida, including EnerNOC, Harvest Power, Johns Manville, Landis+Gyr and Philips Lighting.

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: http://solarbuildermag.com/news/advanced-energy-market-hits-6-2-billion-in-florida/]