Duke Energy Gets Green Light for Natural Gas Plant in South Carolina

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, March 27th 2026 at 0:04 GMT by reuters.com
      Locale: UNITED STATES

CHARLOTTE, NC - March 27, 2026 - Duke Energy Corp (DEO.N) has officially received the green light to construct a 775-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant in Dorchester County, South Carolina, a decision that underscores the complex energy landscape of the Southeastern United States. The announcement, originally made in 2026, highlights the ongoing debate between the need for reliable power and the urgency of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Expected to come online in 2028, the Dorchester County facility represents a significant investment in fossil fuel infrastructure at a time when many utilities are accelerating their renewable energy portfolios. Duke Energy maintains that the plant is crucial for maintaining grid stability and meeting the rapidly increasing electricity demands of South Carolina. Projections indicate substantial population growth and economic development within the state, necessitating a robust and dependable power supply.

"We are pleased to receive approval for this vital project," stated a Duke Energy spokesperson. "This plant isn't about ignoring renewable energy; it's about ensuring we have the baseload power needed to support a diverse energy mix and prevent disruptions as we integrate more intermittent sources like solar and wind." This position reflects a common argument within the energy sector - that natural gas serves as a reliable "bridge fuel," capable of quickly responding to fluctuations in renewable energy production and maintaining a consistent power flow.

However, the decision hasn't been without controversy. Environmental advocacy groups have voiced strong opposition, arguing that investing in new natural gas infrastructure locks the state into decades of fossil fuel dependence and hinders the progress towards a truly sustainable energy future. These groups point to the significant carbon emissions associated with natural gas, even when compared to coal, and advocate for a more aggressive pursuit of renewable alternatives.

"While we acknowledge the need for reliable power, building a new gas plant is a step backward," said Sarah Jenkins, Director of the South Carolina Environmental Coalition. "The cost of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, has plummeted in recent years. Investing in energy storage solutions alongside these renewables would be a far more responsible and future-proof approach."

The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) conducted a thorough review of the project's environmental impact, including assessments of potential carbon emissions. Duke Energy has pledged to implement mitigation measures, although details remain limited. These measures likely include advanced emissions control technologies and potentially carbon capture initiatives, though the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the latter remain a subject of debate.

This project aligns with a broader trend observed across the US, where utilities are simultaneously investing in both renewable energy and natural gas infrastructure. The reasoning is multifaceted. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are inherently intermittent - their output varies depending on weather conditions. Without adequate backup power, grid reliability can be compromised. Natural gas plants can quickly ramp up or down production to fill the gaps, providing a stabilizing force for the grid.

Furthermore, natural gas is often cheaper than renewables when factoring in the cost of energy storage needed to address intermittency. While battery technology is rapidly improving and prices are falling, large-scale storage solutions are still expensive and require significant land usage.

The Dorchester plant's capacity of 775 megawatts is substantial, capable of powering hundreds of thousands of homes. Duke Energy currently serves approximately 8.2 million customers across the Carolinas, Florida, Indiana, and Ohio. The addition of this plant will bolster their ability to meet peak demand, particularly during extreme weather events which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change.

Looking ahead, the success of the Dorchester plant will likely be judged not only on its ability to deliver reliable power but also on Duke Energy's commitment to simultaneously accelerating its renewable energy investments. The company has announced ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions, but achieving those goals will require a concerted effort to transition away from fossil fuels in the long term. The Dorchester plant, therefore, represents a critical juncture - a test of Duke Energy's ability to balance the immediate needs of its customers with the long-term imperative of a sustainable energy future.