Florida Power & Light began work on what may be the first hybrid solar facility in the world to combine a solar-thermal field with a combined-cycle natural gas power plant.

The plan consists of 180,000 mirrors over 500 acres. The 75-megawatt Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center is situated on the Atlantic coast just north of Palm Beach County. The Solar Energy Center will use less fossil fuel when heat from the sun is available to help produce the steam needed to generate electricity. It also matches solar power with an existing combined-cycle natural gas plant, so that when the sun is not shining, the natural gas can take over the work of powering the turbines.

Florida’s Governor Charlie Crist, spoke at the ground-breaking. “Florida’s future growth and economic strength depends on how we address climate change, and we know we can reduce greenhouse gases by using fewer fossil fuels and more natural energy sources like solar… This solar facility is a significant step in that direction.”

This is the first of three FPL solar facilities state regulators have approved in Florida, which, according to the utility, will make the state the second-largest solar energy producer in the country. In addition to the Martin facility, FPL will also build two other solar projects in Florida. One will be at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and the other in Desoto County. These plants will add 35 megawatts of solar photovoltaic capacity to the state. Combined, these projects help strengthen FPL Group’s position as the nation’s clean energy leader.