Duke Energy Progress looks to add solar power in eastern South Carolina as part of diverse plan to support booming growth

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy Progress plans to build a 76-megawatt solar power facility in South Carolina to transition to cleaner energy options and meet the state's growing energy needs. The project aims to provide fuel-free power to the Pee Dee region and is part of Duke Energy's commitment to a lower carbon future.

Insights

Energy Economist

An analysis of Duke Energy's proposed Robinson Solar Center from an economic perspective indicates a strategic move in response to the growing energy demands of South Carolina. The state's rapid population growth, coupled with economic expansion, necessitates increased power supply. The shift towards solar represents an adaptation to market forces that are increasingly favoring renewable energy sources over traditional fossil fuels. This transition is expected to have a positive long-term economic impact by potentially lowering operational costs due to the fuel-free nature of solar power and enhancing the state's appeal to environmentally conscious businesses and residents.

However, the upfront capital expenditure for the solar facility is substantial and the regulatory approval process can impact the project's timelines and cost efficiency. Stakeholders should consider the balance between the immediate financial burden and the anticipated future savings in energy costs. Moreover, the integration of such a large-scale renewable project into the existing energy grid will require careful planning to manage intermittency and ensure reliability.

Environmental Policy Analyst

From an environmental policy standpoint, Duke Energy's initiative aligns with broader regulatory trends pushing for a reduction in carbon emissions. The proposal for the Robinson Solar Center not only supports South Carolina's cleaner energy ambitions but also sets a precedent for utility-scale renewable projects in the region. If approved, it may catalyze further investment in green technologies and infrastructure, contributing to the state's environmental targets.

It is important to assess the potential environmental impacts of the construction and operation phases. While solar energy is a cleaner alternative to nuclear or fossil fuels, the land use for such a large-scale project can have ecological implications. The project's alignment with environmental regulations and its potential to disrupt local ecosystems must be carefully evaluated to ensure sustainable development.

Energy Market Analyst

Examining the proposal from an energy market perspective, the introduction of a 76-megawatt solar facility by Duke Energy is a significant development. It reflects the broader industry trend towards diversification of energy sources. The facility's scale suggests a considerable contribution to the region's energy mix, potentially influencing market dynamics by increasing the supply of renewable energy. This could lead to more competitive electricity prices for consumers in the long run.

The project's success hinges on factors such as the cost of solar technology, government incentives and the evolving landscape of energy demand. Investors should monitor these variables closely as they will determine the project's profitability and its impact on Duke Energy's financial performance. Additionally, the interplay between this new solar capacity and existing energy sources will be pivotal in shaping the future energy market in South Carolina.

• Robinson Solar Center will be key next step to transitioning to cleaner energy economy for the state
• Project builds on long history of powering the economy of the Pee Dee region

GREENVILLE, S.C., March 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Progress today requested approval by the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) to build and own a 76-megawatt utility-scale solar power facility adjacent to the existing Robinson Nuclear Plant site located in both Chesterfield and Darlington counties.

"Making smart investments in South Carolina's energy future is a priority for Duke Energy – one that focuses on delivering reliable, affordable service every day to the customers and communities we serve, and on transitioning to cleaner energy options and a lower carbon future," said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy's South Carolina state president. "The proposed Robinson Solar Center is part of the thousands of megawatts of solar that will help us do that."

If approved, construction is expected to begin on the approximate 345-acre existing site in 2026 with the facility targeting full operation in 2027. The facility will provide fuel-free power to meet the growing needs of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. For more information on the project, visit duke-energy.com/RobinsonSolarCenter.

A diverse energy mix

From population growth to the expansion of manufacturing and other major economic development wins, South Carolina is booming. According to the Census Bureau, the Palmetto State had the fastest growing population in the nation in 2023, largely due to the tremendous impact of the state's economic prosperity.

Transitioning to cleaner energy sources like solar, while also meeting growing energy needs, requires a diverse mix of resources like the Robinson Solar Center to ensure continued and future reliability.

"We are using an 'all-of-the-above' approach that incorporates renewables like solar, next-generation and existing nuclear, natural gas and hydroelectric sources," Callahan said. "This diverse mix will help Duke Energy meet customer expectations for cleaner energy while also reliably powering communities across the state."

Nuclear remains critical to state's future

For more than 50 years, Robinson Nuclear Plant has played a critical role in powering communities in the Pee Dee region and continues to be an essential part of the company's current and future diverse energy mix.

Nuclear is the only carbon-free generation source that is available 24/7 in every type of weather. Duke Energy intends to relicense its entire nuclear fleet (11 reactors at six plant sites in the Carolinas). We expect to submit Robinson Nuclear Plant's license renewal application in 2025 to allow it to continue reliable, clean, cost-competitive operations for our customers for decades to come. 

Duke Energy Progress
Duke Energy Progress, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.7 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 29,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina.

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 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 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 27,600 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear. 

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2023 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World'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.

Contact: Ryan Mosier
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What is Duke Energy Progress planning to build in South Carolina?

Duke Energy Progress plans to build a 76-megawatt utility-scale solar power facility adjacent to the existing Robinson Nuclear Plant site in Chesterfield and Darlington counties.

When is construction expected to begin on the Robinson Solar Center?

Construction is expected to begin on the Robinson Solar Center in 2026 with the facility targeting full operation in 2027.

What is the purpose of the Robinson Solar Center project?

The Robinson Solar Center project aims to provide fuel-free power to meet the growing needs of the Pee Dee region in South Carolina.

Where can I find more information about the Robinson Solar Center project?

For more information on the project, visit duke-energy.com/RobinsonSolarCenter.

Why is Duke Energy Progress transitioning to cleaner energy sources like solar?

Duke Energy Progress is transitioning to cleaner energy sources like solar to meet growing energy needs while also focusing on a lower carbon future.