Lakeland Electric is poised to become the first utility in the U.S. to operate a liquid nitrogen-based power generation plant.

The pilot project, developed in partnership with American Independent Power, will combine solar heat with liquid nitrogen to produce electricity. Officials say the system will provide enough energy to power about 5,000 homes.

The half-acre facility is being built at Lakeland Electric’s Socrum substation in north Lakeland. Its location is designed to keep the surrounding neighborhoods powered with greater efficiency.

“We anticipate less system loss over the electric lines,” said Utility Marketing Manager Cathryn Lacy. “We also expect improved reliability because there’s less distance for something to go wrong.”

Construction is underway, with completion expected by next year.

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