SACE Statement on Duke Energy’s Solar Investments in N.C.
Advocates praise agreements as step in the right direction to embrace solar as part of the solution
Contact: Jennifer Rennicks, SACE, 865.235.1448, [email protected]
Asheville, N.C. – Earlier today, Duke Energy Corp. announced it will invest $500 million in new solar energy facilities across North Carolina, including direct ownership of 128 megawatts of utility-scale solar farms built at three sites, as well as power purchase agreements for an additional 150 MW of new solar energy from independent developers. According to a Duke spokesperson, these investments will elevate Duke’s standing as one of the top solar-powered utilities in the country and provide a significant percentage of the utility’s contribution to the North Carolina renewable energy portfolio standard.
In response to today’s announcement, Dr. Stephen A. Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy made this statement:
“The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) applauds Duke Energy’s announcement for advancing more solar development and investments in North Carolina. This is good news for clean energy in our region.
We believe that solar energy continues to be an ever-increasingly cost-effective generation strategy for a Southeastern utility by generating clean energy with no fuel costs, no fuel volatility and no significant environmental impacts from its production.
While we are still studying the details of the agreements, we believe this is a step in the right direction and we strongly encourage Duke to continue incorporating solar and other renewables into its generation portfolio and to embrace solar as part of the solution, not part of the problem.”
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Founded in 1985, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that create global warming solutions and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at www.cleanenergy.org