Duke’s Carolinas resource plan targets 18.5 GW new solar by 2041 — SkimNews
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- Duke Energy filed its 2026 Carolinas Resource Plan with the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, recommending 18.5 GW of solar, 14 GW of gas generation, and 13 GW of battery storage over the next 15 years.
- Duke's recommended portfolio also calls for roughly 4.5 GW of new nuclear, and the utility is working to extend licenses on its existing six-site nuclear fleet to operate up to 80 years — renewed licenses have already been granted for two sites (four of 11 units), both in South Carolina.
- Duke projects its winter peak demand will increase by more than 10 GW, representing roughly 30% cumulative growth, citing both Carolinas' rank among the fastest-growing states in the nation.
- Duke's gas additions split into 8.2 GW of combined-cycle generators and 5.8 GW of combustion turbines, with the utility noting an approved 1.4 GW combined-cycle facility in Anderson County, SC and executed turbine supply agreements with GE Vernova.
- Duke said it is scaling battery storage execution and has an RFP out for 400 MW of standalone storage in South Carolina, while maintaining a minimum 1% annual energy efficiency savings target in its load forecast.
- The South Carolina Public Service Commission is expected to hold a hearing on the plan in April and issue an order by June.
Why it matters: Duke's plan governs generation buildout for both Carolinas — two of the nation's fastest-growing states — with SC regulators set to approve or modify by June a portfolio totaling roughly 50 GW of new solar, gas, nuclear, and storage additions driven by a projected 30% jump in winter peak demand. The nuclear and storage components signal Duke is hedging solar intermittency with firm capacity rather than relying on renewables alone.
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