Florida Power & Light Company changed the Space Coast skyline on Aug. 22 by demolishing the most visible structures at its 42-acre, 45-year-old Cape Canaveral Power Plant. It is preparing to build the Cape Canaveral Next Generation Clean Energy Center, which will open in 2013.

The Next Generation Clean Energy Center is expected to generate an additional $12 million in tax revenue in its first full year of operation: $5.3 million for Brevard County schools, $4.8 million for Brevard County; and $1.6 million for other taxing authorities.

FPL's Next Generation Clean Energy Center will use about 33 percent less fuel per megawatt of power generated with advanced combined-cycle, natural gas technology capable of producing 1,250 megawatts of electricity, or enough to power 250,000 homes and businesses. Three sleeker stacks, half as high as those taken down today, will emit 88 percent fewer air particulates and 50 percent less carbon dioxide without any additional water or land use. In addition, the site is designed to meet U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and to feature rooftop solar panels and an electric car recharging station.