TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 8, 2021) - Tampa Electric Co. (TECO) will turn to expertise from the University of South Florida (USF) to help the company achieve its short- and long-term goals for reducing carbon emissions.
As TECO unveiled its vision for a cleaner energy future on Monday, the company announced a partnership with USF to further research innovative technologies and new ideas to help reach net-zero carbon emissions from its power plants by 2050. TECO will place an intentional focus on investing in emerging solutions that generate more clean energy.
“As one of the nation’s leading research institutions, the University of South Florida has a talented pool of faculty and students who are developing innovative solutions for the complex challenges facing our communities. With our leading expertise in business, engineering, sustainability and other disciplines, USF is well positioned to partner with Tampa Electric in support of a vision to create a cleaner energy future,” USF President Rhea Law said. Law also emphasized USF shares a commitment to keeping sustainability a key strategic focus.
TECO highlighted innovations in biofuels, hydrogen, solar, wind turbines and battery storage as possible components of its future energy portfolio. The company sees an opportunity to enhance collaboration with USF’s researchers to remain on the cutting edge of any new advancements between now and 2050.
“TECO is establishing a partnership with the University of South Florida to invest in a multi-year, multi-disciplinary genius grant to help us achieve our bold climate goals through innovation, research and workforce development,” said Archie Collins, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. “By combining Tampa Electric’s culture of inclusive innovation with USF’s diverse student and faculty talent and celebrated research infrastructure, both organizations will maximize their collective impact on our broader community.”
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor recognized the importance of organizations such as USF and TECO working together to find ways to protect the environment.
“There is no more important partner than TECO in the City of Tampa’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable community. Today, the City of Tampa, TECO, and the University of South Florida are taking a big step on the path to cleaner energy,” Castor said. “We plan to continue finding unique partnership opportunities and invest city resources to advance in clean energy technology and climate-ready infrastructure.”
At the same event on Monday, the City of Tampa and TECO announced a partnership to deploy a major rooftop solar array at the Tampa Convention Center. The renewable energy investment in Tampa’s downtown urban core is expected to be the largest rooftop solar project in Hillsborough County.