A $2.4-billion investment in solar thermal power generation was announced Sept. 26 by FPL Group Inc. The Juno Beach, Fla.-based utility company plans to invest up to $1.5 billion in new solar thermal generating facilities in Florida and California over the next seven years.

The program will begin with a 10-MW project at subsidiary Florida Power & Light, using solar thermal technology supplied by Ausra Inc., Palo Alto, Calif. that could be expanded to 300 MW. It is believed to be the largest solar thermal project ever proposed for the Sunshine State and one of the largest in the U.S.

FPL also will invest up to $500 million to create a smart network that will provide its 4.5 million customers with enhanced energy management capabilities. A new consumer education program and new products that could increase renewable energy resources will cost $400 million more, FPL says.

The initiatives were announced at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York City.