Duke Energy's Carolinas Resource Plan Targets Significant Solar and Storage Additions

Duke Energy has submitted its 2026 Carolinas Resource Plan to regulators in South Carolina, proposing a significant expansion of its generation and storage capabilities. The plan aims to address the growing demand for energy in the Carolinas, with both South Carolina and North Carolina ranking among the fastest-growing states in the nation.

## Overview of the Plan The recommended portfolio includes 18.5 GW of solar, 14 GW of gas generation, and 13 GW of energy storage over the next 15 years. This expansion is intended to support the utility's dual-state service territory, which is expected to experience significant growth. According to Duke Energy, its winter peak is projected to increase by more than 10 GW, representing cumulative growth of approximately 30%.

## Generation and Storage Additions The plan calls for a mix of generation and storage additions, including solar, gas, and nuclear. The proposed solar additions total 18.5 GW, while gas generation will be split between 8.2 GW of combined cycle generators and 5.8 GW of combustion turbines. Additionally, the plan includes 4.5 GW of new nuclear, which Duke Energy believes is an important resource for supporting long-term reliability and system needs.

## Comparison of Proposed Additions The following table summarizes the proposed additions outlined in the plan: | Resource | Proposed Additions | | --- | --- | | Solar | 18.5 GW | | Gas Generation | 14 GW | | Energy Storage | 13 GW | | Nuclear | 4.5 GW | | Combined Cycle Generators | 8.2 GW | | Combustion Turbines | 5.8 GW |

## Regulatory Review and Next Steps The South Carolina Public Service Commission is expected to hold a hearing on the resource plan in April and issue an order by June. Duke Energy has already received approval for a 1.4 GW combined cycle facility in Anderson County, South Carolina, and has executed turbine supply agreements with GE Vernova. The utility is also working to extend the operational licenses of its existing nuclear fleet to operate up to 80 years.

Duke Energy's grid edge programs will play a key role in reducing, shifting, and shaping demand through energy efficiency, demand-side management, load curtailment, customer programs, and storage demand response. The plan maintains a minimum annual energy efficiency savings target of 1% in Duke's load forecast, and the utility is scaling battery storage execution with storage projects in service, equipment secured, interconnection activity underway, and an RFP for 400 MW of standalone storage in South Carolina.