Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) first power plant, operating in Fort Lauderdale since 1927, has stood as a pillar of energy innovation and community partnership for nearly 100 years. Now known as the Dania Beach Clean Energy Center, the facility has evolved from a so-called “superpower plant” into a modern energy hub capable of powering nearly 720,000 homes — a sixfold increase since its early days.
Built to support the growing energy needs of South Florida, the plant has undergone several significant transformations over the decades, replacing outdated infrastructure with state-of-the-art systems. This modernization strategy, which includes the construction of highly efficient combined cycle natural gas plants, has saved FPL customers over $16 billion in fuel costs since 2001 — including $867 million in savings just last year.
Instrument and control specialist Roy West, who joined the company in 1992, recalled witnessing one of the most significant upgrades in the plant’s history.
“We tore down 24 units that generated 1,200 megawatts (MW), and we built just five to generate the same amount of energy,” West said. “It was the first time in the company’s history that we did something like that, and it really was a game changer, not just for us, but for the industry as well.”
At the time, the project was hailed as the “largest gas turbine repowering project of its kind.” It was one of four major overhauls that cemented FPL’s ability to deliver reliable electricity using a diverse and increasingly clean energy mix.
“It’s been a remarkable path, and it continues to be remarkable,” West said. “You can tip your hat to leadership at this company. They saw a vision and set the groundwork to make it happen.”
As FPL celebrates its 100-year anniversary, the Dania Beach facility remains a key symbol of that vision.
“The Dania Beach Clean Energy Center is a cornerstone of our history, marking FPL’s first plant in our fleet,” said Tom Broad, Vice President of Power Generation Division Fossil Operations and Pipeline. “This achievement underscores our broader strategic goals of leading the transition to clean energy, implementing advanced technologies and fostering economic growth.”
The latest modernization came in 2018, when older equipment was replaced with more efficient systems that generate more energy using less fuel and producing fewer emissions. Fabian Camacho, Senior Director of Turbine Engineering in the Power Generation Division, helped oversee the plant’s transition from construction to full commercial operations.
“Witnessing the evolution of the plant from its original design to the advanced, modern facility it is today has been a remarkable journey,” said Camacho, who has been with FPL since 2007. “The substantial increase in capacity is a testament to our commitment to efficiency and innovation.”
Camacho also noted how the project helped foster growth and development within the team.
“Since we started construction, the team’s growth and development have been incredible,” he said. “One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been seeing how seamlessly the team transitioned the facility from the construction phase to full operational status.”
Beyond its technical milestones, the plant has long served as a community partner and local economic driver.
“This facility is a testament of our long-term commitment to boost the local economy by creating jobs and promoting sustainable energy solutions for South Florida communities,” said Juliet Roulhac, FPL Director of External Affairs for the Broward and Southwest regions.
Job creation and property tax contributions are just part of the impact, said Dania Beach Mayor Joyce Davis.
“I’m proud to be the mayor of Broward’s first city and also proud to have FPL’s first power plant here in our own backyard,” Davis said. “For nearly 100 years, this plant has powered our schools where our kids learn, it’s powered thriving, small businesses and also has contributed to our local economy.”
Davis added that FPL’s support goes beyond supplying electricity. The utility has funded various community projects, including a new children’s playground and basketball court, a mural, and grants for local businesses to join the Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s great that we’ve had this plant here, which has undergone multiple upgrades to save our residents and FPL’s customers money, but it’s more than that,” Davis said. “It’s about showing up for the community, and FPL has remained committed to that.”
 first power plant, operating in Fort Lauderdale since 1927, has been in service for nearly 100 years.){kind=link}