The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) has approved a comprehensive plan by Duke Energy to expand its energy portfolio with a mix of gas, renewable, and nuclear resources. The plan includes 3.6 GW of new gas-fired capacity, 7 GW of renewable energy, and 1.1 GW of battery storage, aiming to meet the state’s evolving energy demands while working toward carbon reduction goals.

Duke's proposal, submitted in August, involves constructing new gas-fired power plants and procuring significant renewable and battery storage capacity by 2035. The plan also includes a goal to deploy 2,400 MW of offshore wind by 2035, though environmental advocates have expressed concerns that more renewable energy could be implemented sooner. Will Scott, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Director, said there are additional opportunities in 2025 to reconsider offshore wind timelines.

Under the new order, Duke will retire over 8,000 MW of coal-fired capacity by 2036 and pursue 1,834 MW of pumped storage at its Bad Creek facility in South Carolina. The plan includes advanced nuclear development, aiming to bring 600 MW online by 2035.

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) criticized the approved strategy, arguing it falls short of achieving sufficient reductions in emissions, stating it might add unnecessary climate pollution. David Neal, SELC attorney, argued that faster, cleaner options are feasible.

In response, Duke Energy called the order a “constructive outcome,” emphasizing the importance of an “all of the above” approach to address growing regional energy needs.