NextEra expects to acquire projects during downturn

Greentech Media reported April 22 that U.S. renewables developer NextEra had reported the previous day in its first-quarter financial results that not only has its renewables development unit been unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it may actually be able to purchase other projects that run into trouble.

          NextEra expects to build around 5 gigawatts of renewables capacity this year, and it added another 1.6 gigawatts of wind, solar and storage to its pipeline during the first quarter. None of its 2020 projects are expected to be delayed. It also revealed that it expects to spend $1 billion on battery projects next year.

          Included in the investments is the 409-megawatt Manatee Energy Storage Center in Florida. One of NextEra’s regulated utilities, Florida Power & Light alone, expects to add more than 10 gigawatts of solar capacity during the 2020s.