Duke Energy's 2025 Plan: Big Boost for Solar and Storage, Coal Life Extended
Duke Energy has filed a long-term energy plan for North and South Carolina, revealing ambitious expansions in renewable energy and storage, while also extending the life of some coal plants. The plan, subject to regulatory review in 2026, includes significant investments in solar and battery storage, but may lead to a slight increase in customer bills.
The utility giant aims to install 5,600 MW of battery storage and 4,000 MW of solar PV systems across the Carolinas. This substantial boost in renewable energy is part of Duke Energy's response to evolving policies at the state and federal levels, which favour advanced nuclear power and battery storage. Despite exploring wind power, the company has deemed it not economically viable for customers until 2040.
Duke Energy is also extending the operational life of three coal plants by two to four years, maintaining five combined-cycle natural gas units, and developing a second power block at its Bad Creek pumped hydro energy storage project. The North Carolina Utilities Commission will hold hearings on this 2025 resource plan in 2026.
If approved, Duke Energy's plan would result in a 2.1% increase in customer bills. However, it also signifies a significant commitment to renewable energy and storage, with a combined target of 10,200 MW by 2034. The company's decision to extend coal plant life reflects a balance between transitioning to cleaner energy and maintaining reliability.
Read also:
- Federal petition from CEI seeking federal intervention against state climate disclosure laws, alleging these laws negatively impact interstate commerce and surpass constitutional boundaries.
- Hydrogen Energy: Sustainable Innovation or Resource Exploitation?
- Dim outlook for a major energy corporation
- Underwater pipeline shutdown initiative by Michigan challenges scope of American foreign policy, contends Trump Justice Department
