Duke Energy filed its 2026 Carolinas Resource Plan to meet a projected 30% increase in winter peak demand through 2041. The proposal adds 18.5 gigawatts of solar power. It includes 14 gigawatts of natural gas-fired generation. The plan also calls for 13 gigawatts of battery storage. Duke Energy aims to add 4.5 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity.
The filing with South Carolina regulators initiates a review affecting electricity costs and grid reliability in North and South Carolina. This strategy for the bellwether utility balances a large-scale renewable buildout with investments in firm power sources like gas and advanced nuclear.
Surging electricity demand from economic growth and data center expansion drives this long-term proposal. Investors are monitoring the plan as a roadmap for future capital allocation in the utility sector.