[Duke Energy, 10 October 2018]

Duke Energy has announced their intent to invest $500 million in battery energy storage technologies in North and South Carolina over the coming 15 years. These investments will add about 300 megawatts of battery capacity in the region (currently there is less than 30 megawatts of capacity). One of Duke’s first steps towards achieving this goal is their Hot Springs Microgrid project located in North Carolina. This project includes a 2-megawatt solar facility and a 4 megawatt lithium-ion battery project and is part of the company’s “Western Carolinas Modernization Project” which focuses on increasing the clean energy footprint in that region. Duke’s other battery storage projects include a 9-megawatt lithium-ion battery located in Asheville, a 95 kWh zinc air battery that can be found in Haywood County- both projects are in North Carolina. Rob Caldwell, President of Duke Energy Renewables and Distributed Energy Technology, praised his company’s innovative efforts, saying, “Duke Energy is at the forefront of battery energy storage, and our investment could increase as we identify projects that deliver benefits to our customers. Utility-owned and operated projects in North Carolina and South Carolina will include a variety of system benefits that will help improve reliability for our customers and provide significant energy grid support for the region."