Duke Energy Announces Plans for New Natural Gas Facility in North Carolina

Duke Energy has revealed its blueprint for a forthcoming natural gas facility in Catawba County, marking a strategic shift away from coal while indicating its ongoing dependence on fossil fuels. The utility submitted an application to the N.C. Utilities Commission late last week for the construction of a new plant consisting of two units, boasting a combined capacity of 850 megawatts, intended to supplant the existing Marshall Steam Station. As one of Duke's largest facilities in the Carolinas, the Marshall station presently utilizes both coal and natural gas. The proposed new plant is envisioned to facilitate the systematic retirement of coal capacity while enhancing system flexibility.

Pending approval from the commission, construction of the plant is slated to commence in the third quarter of 2026, with completion anticipated by early 2029. Expected to operate for 35 years, the plant holds the potential for integrating hydrogen power as technology in that realm matures. Duke Energy's plan for new natural gas plants entails the replacement of coal-fired units at the Marshall Steam Station in Catawba County.

The application aligns with Duke's revised energy outlook issued on January 31, citing "unprecedented" energy demand as a driving force behind its natural gas initiatives. Alongside the new Marshall natural gas facility, Duke intends to erect another plant in Person County, connected to a proposed pipeline operated by Dominion Energy. While these natural gas plants are poised to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in accordance with legal mandates, they are expected to emit substantial quantities of methane, a potent greenhouse gas exacerbating climate change.

Duke is also mandated to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 unless granted an extension by the Utilities Commission. However, specific cost details pertaining to the construction of the new Marshall plant remain undisclosed to the public, as Utilities Commission filings containing such information are deemed commercially sensitive.

Nevertheless, the cumulative effect of constructing the new natural gas plants, coupled with three small modular nuclear reactors slated for Stokes County, is anticipated to result in a notable increase in customers' average monthly energy bills, as per the utility's internal projections. By 2033, Duke Energy Progress customers could face a 39% rise in monthly expenses compared to previous estimates, while Duke Energy Carolinas patrons may see a staggering 73% increase.

Duke Energy, a prominent Fortune 150 corporation based in Charlotte, North Carolina, stands as one of the United States' most significant energy holding entities. Serving a vast clientele across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, our electric utilities cater to approximately 8.2 million customers. Collectively, our utilities possess an extensive energy capacity of 50,000 megawatts.