Nation's First Liquid Nitrogen Facility Coming to Lakeland

Lakeland's utility company will be the first in the country to open a liquid nitrogen generation facility. The pilot program will ensure power for the company's customers and use a small footprint.

Through American Independent Power, Lakeland Electric will use solar thermal heat combined with liquid nitrogen to generate electricity for about 5,000 homes.

The facility will be located on a half-acre at the Socrum substation in north Lakeland. According to a utility technology manager, traditional solar would need roughly 25 acres to make the exact same power build.

Construction is expected to be completed by the fall of 2026.