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Duke Energy's Carolinas Energy Plan includes nuclear reactors and coal extension

Duke Energy, a U.S. energy company, is looking at adding large nuclear reactors and extending some coal plants' lives as part of its long-term plan to meet the rapidly increasing electricity demand in the Carolinas. U.S. electric utilities are increasing their power infrastructure plans in order to accommodate the rapid growth of electricity consumption. This is driven by AI data centres, the electrification and modernization of buildings, transportation, as well as the resurgence of domestic manufacturing. Nuclear energy has been rediscovered due to the recent increase in electricity consumption. It produces electrons around-the clock that are almost carbon-free. Kendal bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina's president, said that the energy demand over the next fifteen years is expected to increase at an eight-fold rate compared to the previous 15 years.

Duke's 2025 Carolinas Resource Plan, which outlines the company's strategy up to 2040 and updates its 2023 plan that covered energy requirements through 2038, was submitted on Wednesday.

Plan includes a proposal for the study of the additions of large light water reactors and small modules reactors. Potential sites include Belews Creek, North Carolina, and the W.S. Lee site in South Carolina. Duke targets a date of 2037 for the new nuclear generation to be in service.

Duke would build new reactors in the next decade if it moves forward with its nuclear plan.

The proposal comes against the backdrop of record-high power consumption and President Donald Trump's efforts to reduce incentives for solar and wind development, while promoting nuclear and fossil fuels. Duke will request extensions between two and four year for coal plants that have dual fuel capability. Duke cited recent changes in federal policy. The company still plans to retire its coal fleet, as new resources become available.

Glen Snider is Duke's director of integrated resources planning.

Duke Energy is the U.S.'s largest nuclear power operator and one of the nation's biggest coal plant operators.

The company plans to double its capacity of battery storage from its earlier projections, to 5,600 Megawatts (MW), by 2034. It will also maintain its target of 4,000 MW solar power.

The company claims that wind power is not economically viable for its customers until 2040.

Utility plans to increase its natural gas fleet by adding two combustion engines to the five combined-cycle units that were proposed in 2023. The utility will increase the storage of liquefied gas to improve reliability and lower fuel costs.

Duke's proposed upgrades will add 600 MW to the clean power capacity of existing nuclear and hydropower plants. (Reporting and editing by Laila K. Kearney)

(source: Reuters)