Duke Energy Corporation - DUK STOCK NEWS

Duke Energy has commenced construction on the 22.6-MW Speedway Solar power plant in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, aiming for completion by the end of 2021. This facility will utilize 77,000 Jinko bifacial modules and is expected to power 5,000 homes. The project is part of North Carolina's competitive bidding for renewable energy and supports Duke's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. During peak construction, around 70 workers will be employed, contributing to local economic growth.

AMPLY Power and Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions have teamed up to enhance bus fleet electrification with a new solar canopy and overhead electric vehicle charging solution. This innovative offering, supported by a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), aims to reduce costs and promote the use of renewable electricity for charging systems. AMPLY's unique Pantograph In-Depot Equipment (PIDE) Canopy Mount simplifies the transition to electric vehicles, enabling fleets to budget effectively and minimize energy costs. This collaboration includes a comprehensive infrastructure plan, designed to meet zero-emission targets and offer long-term financial predictability.

Malta Inc. and Duke Energy are collaborating to assess the benefits of transforming retiring coal units into long-duration, zero-emissions energy storage systems. Funded by a U.S. Department of Energy grant, the year-long study will evaluate Malta's 100-megawatt, 10-hour pumped heat energy storage system integrated into Duke Energy's coal plant in North Carolina. The project aims to support Duke's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and will provide insights into job retention, local economic impacts, and environmental advantages, including increased integration of renewable energy.

On May 17, 2021, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) issued a statement in response to Elliott Management's latest proposals regarding the company. Since July 2020, Duke Energy's Board has concluded that Elliott's proposals do not align with the company's long-term interests. Duke Energy plans to invest over $125 billion in clean energy over the next decade, aiming for 5% to 7% annual earnings growth. The company's share price has increased by 25.2% over the last year, outperforming the S&P Utility Index. Duke Energy is committed to modernizing its operations and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Duke Energy announced that its new corporate headquarters, Duke Energy Plaza, is under construction in Uptown Charlotte. This 40-floor tower will consolidate the company's real estate footprint from 2.5 million to 1 million square feet, housing approximately 4,400 employees. The company anticipates saving $85-$90 million over five years, which will benefit customers. The new workplace model promotes hybrid work options. Duke Energy aims to enhance collaboration and productivity while committing to an aggressive clean energy strategy, targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Duke Energy Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to Mental Health America–Wabash Valley Region in Lafayette to enhance staffing at two suicide prevention call centers serving 87 of Indiana's 92 counties. This funding responds to increased demand expected from the upcoming launch of the national 988 suicide prevention hotline in July 2022. Suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death in Indiana, highlighting the need for mental health support amid the ongoing pandemic challenges.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) has launched 'Virtual Crew,' a customized virtual reality training service for energy companies and contractors across the U.S. This innovative training aims to enhance employee qualifications while providing compliance tracking in collaboration with Industrial Training Services (ITS). The program is projected to generate annual savings exceeding $500,000 in operational costs. Technicians utilizing VR training can complete tasks three times faster than those trained in traditional classrooms. Existing training modules cover essential skills such as natural gas leak detection and electric substation inspection.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) released its first-quarter 2021 financial results, highlighting its growth in serving 7.9 million customers across multiple states and its commitment to renewable energy. The company aims for a 50% carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, with plans to expand renewable energy capacity to 16,000 megawatts by 2025. Duke Energy has also been recognized on Fortune's 'World's Most Admired Companies' list and Forbes' 'America's Best Employers' list.