A Southern Company subsidiary is buying up land near Pensacola, Fla., to build a new power plant, local media reported. And while a decision is well in the future, the company said it may use the site to generate nuclear power.Land owners in Escambia County told WKRG the purchases began a few years ago, and a Gulf Power representative said it hopes to assemble 4,000 acres by the end of next year.According to property records reviewed by the Pensacola News Journal, the utility bought 756 acres worth $3.4 million over the last year and a half. A Gulf Power spokeswoman said long-term plans call for replacing or supplementing a nearby coal-fired plant in 10 to 15 years. That could include generation from nuclear, natural gas or renewables. Geological studies will contribute to that decision. The utility has also taken steps to begin gathering the meteorological data required for nuclear plant licensing.
Anonymous comments will be moderated. Join for free and post now!
