Duke Energy has received approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) for its “Carolinas Resource Plan,” which outlines the utility's strategy to enhance energy capacity across North and South Carolina. The plan, approved in its entirety by the NCUC, includes significant investments in solar, energy storage, gas-powered plants, and offshore wind energy.
The approved plan calls for the addition of 3,460 MW of solar PV capacity, bringing Duke Energy's total operational solar capacity to 6.7 GW by 2031. The utility also aims to expand its battery energy storage system (BESS) by 1.1 GW, increasing its storage capacity to 2.7 GW by the same year. Additionally, the company plans to add 1.2 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2033.
In parallel with renewable energy growth, Duke Energy's resource plan includes over 5.6 GW of gas-powered plants by 2033. This includes new combustion turbines and combined cycle plants, which will supplement the utility's existing plans from 2022.
The plan also includes a delay in Duke Energy's goal to reduce carbon emissions by 70% from 2005 levels, now targeted for 2032 instead of the previous 2030 deadline. The NCUC's order allows the company to pursue “all reasonable steps” to meet the reduction target, though specific actions were not detailed.
Duke Energy has also proposed a hydropower project at Bad Creek, North Carolina, and is seeking $440 million in development costs for nuclear power projects, which will add 300 MW by 2034 and 600 MW by 2035.
The utility emphasized that the plan reflects a balanced approach to energy generation, combining renewables, gas, and other sources to ensure energy affordability, reliability, and sustainability for its customers. With extensive control over energy supply in both states, Duke Energy aims to support the Carolinas' growing economy while transitioning to cleaner energy.
