Duke Energy launches Sustainable Financing Framework to fund clean energy transition

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) has introduced a new Sustainable Financing Framework aimed at attracting billions in investments for green and social projects, driving its clean energy transition. This initiative strengthens the company's commitment to sustainable financing, broadening eligible investments aligned with its ESG priorities. Since 2018, Duke has issued $2.3 billion in green bonds. The company aims to reduce carbon emissions from electricity generation by at least 50% by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050, focusing on renewable energy, grid technology, and diversity in supplier opportunities.

Positive

• New Sustainable Financing Framework attracts investment for green projects.
• Issued $2.3 billion in green bonds since 2018.
• Aims for 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.
• Broadens eligible investment scope to include diverse suppliers and advanced grid technology.

Negative

• None.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is launching a new framework that will help attract billions of dollars of investments in eligible green and social projects to drive the company's clean energy transition – the most ambitious in the industry.

Duke Energy's new Sustainable Financing Framework defines the investment areas aligned to the company's clean energy strategy, further enabling it to issue green and sustainability bonds, loans or other financing instruments.

"We're committed to a clean energy future for our customers and communities," said Lynn Good, Duke Energy's chair, president and chief executive officer. "Our long-term investment strategy is part of the solution and will provide sustainable environmental, social and customer benefits as we work to achieve our net-zero goals."

Since 2018, Duke Energy has issued $2.3 billion in green bonds. The Framework strengthens the company's commitment to sustainable financing and broadens the scope of eligible investments to align with the company's environmental, social responsibility and governance (ESG) priorities.  

Eligible projects include renewable energy, energy efficiency, advanced grid technology, and expanded opportunities for diverse suppliers and small businesses. 

Duke Energy engaged S&P Global to provide a second party opinion regarding the alignment of the Framework to the 2021 Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, and Sustainability Bond Guidelines, as administered by the International Capital Market Association.

The second party opinion can be found here.

Shaping a Sustainable Energy Future

Eligible projects will deliver long-term, sustainable value for shareholders, customers and other stakeholders.

Duke Energy is leading the largest, most ambitious clean energy transition in North America, in collaboration with stakeholders across all of its service territories. The company has set enterprise-wide emission reduction goals – to reduce carbon emissions from electricity generation by at least 50% and to achieve net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas distribution businesses by 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

Duke Energy is focused on achieving these goals in a way that also supports our communities and society at large. This includes maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce, investing in diverse suppliers, bringing jobs and investments into the communities it serves, and ensuring the transition to cleaner energy happens in a way that is safe and equitable for everyone involved. Read more about Duke Energy's ESG priorities.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 7.9 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 51,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,500 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy strategy to create a smarter energy future for its customers and communities – with goals of at least a 50 percent carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company is a top U.S. renewable energy provider, on track to own or purchase 16,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2025. The company also is investing in major electric grid upgrades and expanded battery storage, and exploring zero-emitting power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2021 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "America's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Forward-Looking Information  

This document includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and can often be identified by terms and phrases that include "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "continue," "should," "could," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "will," "potential," "forecast," "target," "guidance," "outlook" or other similar terminology. Various factors may cause actual results to be materially different than the suggested outcomes within forward-looking statements; accordingly, there is no assurance that such results will be realized. For details on the uncertainties that may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements, see our 2019 Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC and available at the SEC's website at sec.gov. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events described in the forward-looking statements might not occur or might occur to a different extent or at a different time than described. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Duke Energy expressly disclaims an obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. 

Media contact: Meredith Archie
800.559.3853  

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What is Duke Energy's new Sustainable Financing Framework?

Duke Energy's Sustainable Financing Framework aims to attract investments for green and social projects to support its clean energy transition.

How much has Duke Energy issued in green bonds since 2018?

Duke Energy has issued $2.3 billion in green bonds since 2018.

What are Duke Energy's carbon reduction goals?

Duke Energy aims to achieve at least a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

What types of projects are eligible under the new financing framework?

Eligible projects include renewable energy, energy efficiency, advanced grid technology, and opportunities for diverse suppliers.

Who evaluated Duke Energy's Sustainable Financing Framework?

S&P Global provided a second party opinion regarding the alignment of the Framework with the 2021 Green Bond Principles.