In the latest example of its commitment to renewable-energy technology, Progress Energy Florida (PEF) will explore the potential of wind power and reaffirm its longtime support for solar power.

The company will pursue a research and demonstration project, funded partly by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to examine the potential for wind generation using small-scale turbines in various locations throughout its Florida service area.

DEP also recently funded a Progress Energy Florida partnership with the Florida Solar Energy Research and Education Foundation to promote solar power by reducing market barriers and increasing customer awareness.
"We believe small-scale wind generation could play an important role in meeting Florida's renewable-energy needs," said John Masiello, director of Alternative-Energy Strategy for Progress Energy Florida. "We appreciate the state's support and partnership as we add the potential of wind power to our dynamic renewable-energy portfolio. We are also looking forward to building on our longtime commitment to solar power with the state's assistance. We are constantly seeking newer and cleaner ways to produce electricity, and we are excited by the promise and potential of these alternative-energy sources."

PEF will serve as the project manager for the wind-power initiative. Both PEF and Florida's Turnpike Enterprise have pledged land for technology demonstrations utilizing commercially available, small-scale wind turbines. The Florida Institute of Technology will provide technical expertise, research, and grant administration services, and the Technological Research and Development Authority will provide educational and outreach services. Two of the wind-turbine manufacturers, Bergey Windpower Co. and Abundant Renewable Energy, will also contribute discounted equipment and installation costs.

PEF will first conduct wind-site assessments at various locations yet to be identified throughout company's 35-county service area. These assessments will determine the specific turbine that best matches the wind resource at each site.

The wind assessments will help identify generator size and other equipment required at each site. Permitting, installation, start-up and operation will follow. Data collected at the demonstration sites will be shared with the renewable-energy industry. Other tasks will include assessing strategies to further develop the small-wind market in Florida and increasing customer awareness of wind-energy opportunities.

Progress Energy Florida and the Florida Solar Energy Research and Education Foundation's partnership on the solar project will promote the power of the sun by reducing barriers to market expansion by collaborating with industry experts and developing marketing materials and an outreach campaign. Comprehensive outreach activities will target local governments and businesses that have shown a commitment to greenhouse-gas reduction. The project will also stimulate Florida's economy by creating employment opportunities to support the installation of solar-energy systems.

Progress Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Progress Energy (NYSE: PGN), provides electricity and related services to 1.7 million customers in Florida. The company is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., and serves a territory encompassing more than 20,000 square miles including the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater, as well as the Central Florida area surrounding Orlando. Progress Energy Florida is pursuing a balanced approach to meeting the future energy needs of the region. That balance includes increased energy-efficiency programs, investments in renewable energy technologies and a state-of-the-art electricity system. For more information about Progress Energy, visit the company's Web site at www.progress-energy.com.