Renewable energy, self-driving cars, rocket fuel — the future could start right here in Lakeland. With new projects proposed and underway, plans for a Central Florida Innovation District are top of mind for local officials.
The Innovation District was first dreamed up back in 2019, when Lakeland, Auburndale, and Polk County officials were hoping to build a research park around Florida Polytechnic University. Now, these five developments in that area that could put Lakeland on the technology map.
Renewable energy farm
Williams Acquisition Holding Co., an Oklahoma natural gas company, recently reached out to the City about a renewable energy project. The company owns 4,500 acres of land west off of State Road 33. By adding a solar farm, Lakeland Electric could increase clean energy generation after shutting down one of its coal-powered units.
Suntrax autonomous vehicle test facility
The Florida Department of Transportation and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise are working on Phase Two of a self-driving car test facility near Florida Polytechnic University. A 2.25-mile oval test track is already in use, and a 200-acre infield with even more testing environments is set to be complete this year.
A first look at the plans for the Citrus Innovation Center
Rendering provided by Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Florida Polytechnic University
Developments aren’t just happening near Florida Poly. The school has been busy adding to its STEM research and development department. The Applied Research Center opened its doors in August 2022 with 90,000+ sqft of research labs, study and design space, and offices.
The Citrus Innovation Center is currently under construction. When complete, it will be a citrus research and development facility for International Flavors and Fragrances Inc.
Hydrogen plant
South Korean company LowCarbon Hydrogen Corporation plans to build a hydrogen plant in Mulberry. Although this might be far from the possible Innovation District, the plant would boost our local tech rep by creating clean fuel for cars and rockets.
