Duke Energy is to close its Asheville coal-fired power plant in North Carolina as part of a US$1.1 billion plant to modernise its generation and transmission system in the west of state and upstate South Carolina.
The utility plans to replace the Asheville coal-fired plant with a US$750 million natural gas-fired power plant and solar generation installation, in one of the first combinations of its kind.
“We’ve developed an innovative plant that’s a ‘win-win-win’ for consumers, the environment and the economy,” said Lloyd Yates, Duke Energy Executive Vice President of Market Solutions and President of the Carolinas Region.
“With the availability and near record low cost of natural gas, this comprehensive project will transform the energy system in the region to meet the growing needs of our customers and significantly reduce emissions and water use.”
Written by Jonathan Rowland.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/mining/20052015/duke-energy-to-close-asheville-coal-plant-coal2303/