US to build first solar-powered city

An American developer is planning to construct the country's first solar-powered city in southwestern Florida, on the Gulf Coast. Sponsored by FPL Group Inc's utility Florida Power & Light and Kitson & Partners realty group, the city will be built with a $2 billion budget less than 20 miles from Fort Myers. The utility says the solar plant will be the world's largest photovoltaic solar plant in an environment-friendly city. The 'Babcock Ranch' city will have 19,500 houses and about 6 million square feet of retail, light industrial, and office space. "Babcock Ranch will be a living laboratory for companies, workers and families ready to reap the rewards of innovation," chief executive of Kitson & Partners, Syd Kitson told a press conference introducing the project. The project is expected to create 20,000 jobs, use solar power for daily activities and have the ability to export solar power by producing more than the amount it needs. According to Reuters, the city will also have wireless Internet access and electric-car chargers. Construction of the city-center will begin in June 2010, while building the first residential and commercial structures will start in late 2010.