Duke Energy Proposes Generator Switch from Coal to Gas on LKN

This article was reported on and written by Zachary Turner with WFAE. Click here to read the original article.

Duke Energy has filed to construct two 425-megawatt natural gas-powered generators at the utility's Marshall Steam Station site on Lake Norman. The proposed natural gas units would replace two of the four coal-powered generators currently onsite by 2029.

The generators are part of Duke Energy’s plan to meet state energy needs and emission goals.

The new facility would generate more power with fewer emissions. Each natural gas unit would eliminate the majority of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide emissions generated by its coal predecessor and 40% of current carbon emissions.

In response to the filing, the Environmental Defense Fund described the proposed plant as “unnecessary,” pushing for an expansion of solar and battery infrastructure instead.

Duke Energy announced plans in August for new energy infrastructure, including additional natural gas generators and a small nuclear power plant. The plan was required by the state’s energy reform law and approved by regulators in 2022.