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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

EPA Honors Manufacturers with ENERGY STAR Award

EPA News Release:


CONTACT:
Jennifer Colaizzi (News media only)
colaizzi.jennifer@epa.gov
(202) 564-7776

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2014
EPA Honors Manufacturers with ENERGY STAR Award  
Eastman Chemical, Janssen R&D, and Merck use Combined Heat and Power systems to cut carbon pollution, save money, and combat climate change
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized three industrial facilities today with the ENERGY STAR Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Award for their highly efficient CHP systems—energy production systems that decrease energy costs and reduce their carbon emissions, which cause climate change.
“The companies recognized today with the ENERGY STAR Combined Heat and Power Award are leading by example and reducing carbon pollution equal to the generation of electricity used by more than 63,000 homes, and have reduced their combined energy costs by over $54 million annually,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “The CHP technology offers a strategy to help meet the goals of the President’s Climate Action Plan for a cleaner power sector while boosting the efficiency and competitiveness for many U.S. manufacturers.”
CHP systems used by the award winners achieve operating efficiencies of between 62 and 78 percent—much higher than the efficiency of conventional production of electricity and thermal energy, which can be less than 50 percent.
The ENERGY STAR Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Award winners are:
  • Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, Tenn.
  • Janssen R&D LLC, Spring House, Pa.
  • Merck, West Point, Pa.
CHP, also known as cogeneration, simultaneously produces electricity and steam or hot water from a single heat source, using traditional or renewable fuels. By recovering and using heat typically wasted by the conventional production of electricity, CHP gives U.S. manufacturers a competitive edge by minimizing production costs while reducing carbon pollution.
CHP is ideally suited for many industrial facilities as it provides reliable and cost-effective electricity and heat for a variety of manufacturing processes, including the production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, where energy costs can be a significant portion of operating costs. By generating electricity on site, the systems also reduce demands on the nation’s electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure.
EPA is presenting the awards at today’s ENERGY STAR Industrial Partner and Focus Meetings in Washington, D.C.
Established in 2001, EPA's voluntary CHP Partnership program seeks to reduce the environmental impact of power generation by promoting the cost-effective use of CHP. The partnership works closely with energy users, the CHP industry, state and local governments, and other clean energy stakeholders to facilitate the development of new CHP projects and to promote CHP’s environmental and economic benefits.

More on the EPA Combined Heat and Power Partnership: 
http://epa.gov/chp/
More on the EPA ENERGY STAR Industrial Program: www.energystar.gov/industry
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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Seminar focuses on Italy’s biogas market - Renewable Energy From Waste

Rimini Fiera, host of the Italian sustainability events Ecomondo and Key Energy, is hosting a one-day seminar focusing on the Italian biogas market on 7 November, at the Rimini Fiera expo center in Rimini, Italy. The event is co-located with the Ecomondo and Key Energy events, set for 5-8 November. 
The seminar is being promoted by the Italian Biogas and Gasification Consortium (CIB) and the Italian Consortium of Composters (CIC), along with the coordination and support of the Technical-Scientific Committees of both expos. The conference organizer reports that the one-day event is designed to combine, for the first time, the experiences of the agricultural and organic waste cycles in one event.


Seminar focuses on Italy’s biogas market - Renewable Energy From Waste

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

$8-billion green energy initiative proposed for Los Angeles - Duke Energy

LOS ANGELES -
Four companies today jointly proposed a first-in-the-U.S., $8-billion green energy initiative that would bring large amounts of clean electricity to the Los Angeles area by 2023. 

The project would require construction of one of America’s largest wind farms in Wyoming, one of the world’s biggest energy storage facilities in Utah, and a 525-mile electric transmission line connecting the two sites.


$8-billion green energy initiative proposed for Los Angeles - Duke Energy

Monday, September 22, 2014

Duke Energy Progress to install 100,000 LED street and area lights across North Carolina - Duke Energy

RALEIGH, N.C. -
Duke Energy Progress customers may see some changes in their communities as the utility embarks on a new initiative to modernize outdoor lighting across its service area.
The utility received approval this week from the N.C. Utilities Commission to begin replacing more than 100,000 mercury vapor street and area lights with advanced light emitting diode (LED) fixtures.


Duke Energy Progress to install 100,000 LED street and area lights across North Carolina - Duke Energy

Duke Energy supplies additional details on solar projects as part of $500 million commitment - Duke Energy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -
Duke Energy today announced a number of partner companies it will use to build three previously announced solar projects in North Carolina by the end of 2015.
The company will construct and own some of the largest solar facilities on the East Coast, totaling 128 megawatts (MW) of capacity. These projects are part of thecompany’s recently announced $500 million commitment to solar.


Duke Energy supplies additional details on solar projects as part of $500 million commitment - Duke Energy

Sunday, September 21, 2014

World's Largest Appliance Manufacturer To Use Honeywell's Low-Global-Warming-Potential Insulating Material In Energy-Efficient Refrigerators

Press Release:

9/18/2014 
World's Largest Appliance Manufacturer To Use Honeywell's Low-Global-Warming-Potential Insulating Material In Energy-Efficient Refrigerators 

China-based Haier will use Solstice® Liquid Blowing Agent in large-capacity refrigerators

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J.Sept. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that Haier, the world's largest appliance manufacturer, will adopt Honeywell's new low-global-warming-potential Solstice® Liquid Blowing Agent in China to help insulate and increase the energy efficiency of its refrigerators.

Blowing agents such as Solstice LBA allow closed-cell polyurethane foam insulation to expand and provide the majority of the foam's excellent insulating properties. Solstice LBA can help home appliance manufacturers achieve an 8-10 percent energy efficiency improvement compared with cyclopentane, which is widely used as a blowing agent in appliance insulation.

"Honeywell is committed to developing technologies that help our customers produce energy-efficient appliances that are great for consumers and better for the environment," said Sanjeev Rastogi, business director for Honeywell Fluorine Products.  "For the past three years, we have been working  with Haier under their Open Innovation System to transition to Solstice LBA, and we congratulate Haier on being at the forefront of introducing refrigerators that are both highly energy efficient and low in environmental impact." 

Solstice LBA has an ultra-low global warming potential of 1, which is 99.9 percent lower than HFC-245fa, a commonly-used blowing agent.

"Our collaboration with Honeywell is more than just a sourcing relationship – our Open Innovation System has created a win-win partnership that is bringing quality and energy-efficient products to customers," said Haier. 

The foam insulation used in the Haier refrigerators is formulated and manufactured by Dow Chemical.

"The use of Honeywell's Solstice LBA in our foam is helping Haier improve the energy efficiency of its refrigerators, which is beneficial not only to customers and manufacturers, but to society as a whole," said Si-Ho Lee, Asia-Pacific technical service and development manager at Dow.

Solstice LBA is being adopted by residential and commercial appliance manufacturers worldwide to reduce their environmental footprint and comply with environmental and energy efficiency regulations. Solstice LBA is nonflammable and is not a volatile organic compound. It is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program and is also registered under the European Union's REACH program. Honeywell's new world-scale production capacity manufacturing plant for Solstice LBA started up in May 2014.

Blowing agents from Honeywell can be used in a wide range of applications, including spray foam insulation, household refrigerators and freezers, insulated architectural panels, and refrigerated shipping containers.

In addition to Solstice LBA, Honeywell's family of Solstice-branded products includes stationary and mobile refrigerants, gaseous blowing agents, propellants, and solvents based on Honeywell's new hydrofluoro-olefin technology that helps customers lower their carbon footprint without sacrificing end-product performance.

The Solstice products have been developed and are being commercialized by Honeywell's Fluorine Products business, a leader in the manufacture and supply of non-ozone-depleting refrigerants used by top air-conditioning and refrigeration makers worldwide, and blowing agents for energy-efficient foam insulation, as well as hydrofluoric acid and precursors for nuclear fuel.

Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies (PMT) is a global leader in developing advanced materials, process technologies and automation solutions. PMT's Advanced Materials businesses manufacture a wide variety of high-performance products, including environmentally friendlier refrigerants and materials used to manufacture end products such as bullet-resistant armor, nylon, computer chips and  pharmaceutical packaging. Process technologies developed by PMT's UOP business (www.uop.com) form the foundation for most of the world's refiners, efficiently producing gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, petrochemicals and renewable fuels. PMT's Process Solutions business (www.honeywellprocess.com) is a pioneer in automation control, instrumentation and services for the oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, industrial power generation, chemicals and petrochemicals, biofuels, life sciences, and metals, minerals and mining industries.

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; turbochargers; and  performance materials.  For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.

This release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. The forward-looking statements included in this release are also subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services and prices. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by such forward-looking statements. We identify the principal risks and uncertainties that affect our performance in our Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE Honeywell

Saturday, September 20, 2014

GE Aces Industry Report; Receives Three Awards for LED Lighting Innovation

GE Press Release:

GE Aces Industry Report; Receives Three Awards for LED Lighting Innovation

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EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (Sept. 18, 2014)---Innovation in LED lighting has earned GE high industry acclaim once again: Ten recent achievements in LED lighting from GE will be showcased at the upcoming annual conference of The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). The honor also comes on the heels of three Next Generation Luminaires™ (NGL) awards---marking the 11th time in three years that GE has been recognized by NGL for excellence in commercial LED lighting products.
The IES Progress Committee, per its 2014 yearly review of achievements, accepted 10 GE products for the IES Annual Conference coming Nov. 2 to Pittsburgh, Pa. There, professionals from diverse disciplines will explore, present, debate and exchange best practices in the art and science of lighting. Two of GE's standout selections will be demonstrated on stage during the three-day event:
  • Lumination™ IS Series LED Luminaire: Highly efficient, modern, suspended fixture; recognized by the committee for having one of the highest lumen packages for an indirect LED luminaire in the "Office/Institutional Luminaires" category, as well as for the ability to create continuous runs of light; already the choice for Walmart and other top retailers
  • Evolve™ ECBA Canopy Light: Combines the technical needs of a sophisticated LED system with the functional demands of an outdoor fixture facing year-round weather hazards; selected for one of the highest lumens-per-watt (LPW) in the "Exterior (Area) Luminaires" category and for offering a wide range of lumen packages; variety of mounting options for new construction and retrofit projects
The IES 2014 Progress Report will also recognize:
  • LineFit Light LED System: converts fluorescent cabinet sign lighting into efficient LED in four easy steps; reduces long-term labor/maintenance and offers 76% energy savings vs. standard T12HO fluorescent lighting
  • Albeo™ ABH2 & Albeo ABV1: ABH2 delivers wide range of light outputs replacing HID and fluorescent fixtures in high bay applications; ABV1 offers best mix of value and performance in warehouses, convention centers, sports arenas, retail and other high-ceiling spaces
  • Lumination™ RI Series LED Downlight: Converts any commercial downlight to LED; delivers exceptional efficacy and 90+ CRI across all lumen packages; tool-less replacement light module is virtually maintenance free
  • LightGrid™: Outdoor lighting control system designed with transportation departments in mind; collects and reports data wirelessly, allowing remote operation and monitoring of all roadway fixtures; San Diego adopted this groundbreaking approach to street lighting in 2014
  • 100-watt A-line Replacement LED Bulb: First 100-watt A-line replacement ENERGY STAR® LED bulb to achieve 100 LPW; A-21 lamp offers 1600 lumens at 16 watts for residential and commercial customers looking for brighter LED bulbs and energy savings
  • TriGain™: New phosphor that, packaged in an LED, improves color and clarity of LED devices including lighting, smartphones, TVs and tablets; recognized by the IES in two separate categories:
    • "Materials" for significantly advancing the art and science of lighting
    • "Publications" for GE's document explaining the advancement in method
GE was further recognized this week with three 2014 Next Generation Luminaires™ SSL Indoor Competition awards for excellence, announced at the 2014 LED Show in Los Angeles, Calif. The Lumination IS Series LED Luminaire again garnered distinction in the "Industrial Luminaires" category for bringing efficient LED light and a clean, sleek appearance to open ceiling environments. The indirect light source creates a more sophisticated impression while delivering impressive 105-115LPW performance.
GE's breakthrough TriGain phosphor technology was recognized for a second time as well. When packaged inside an LED, the chemical compound, engineered in GE labs, enables light fixtures to achieve greater light levels and efficiency coupled with enhanced color rendering.
The Lumination™ DI Series LED Downlight for architects and interior designers also received NGL recognition in the "Recessed Downlights" category. It features GE's Infusion™ LED module system, a game-changing approach that allows tool-free upgrades as LED technology advances, ensuring low cost of ownership and ease of use over time.
The annual NGL competition seeks to encourage technical innovation and recognize and promote excellence in the design of energy-efficient indoor and outdoor LED luminaires for commercial, industrial and institutional applications.
Visit gelighting.com to discover how LED innovation---and imagination---can shape a brighter future for your business.
About GE LightingGE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs about 13,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the reveal® and Energy Smart® consumer brands, and Evolve ™, GTx™, Immersion ™, Infusion ™, Lumination™, Albeo™ and Tetra® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information, visit www.gelighting.com.

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GE LED Bulb---the First ENERGY STAR®-qualified to Achieve 100 Lumens Per Watt---Earns Industry Accolades

GE News Release:

GE LED Bulb---the First ENERGY STAR®-qualified to Achieve 100 Lumens Per Watt---Earns Industry Accolades

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EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio --- Sept. 17, 2014 ---GE Lighting's 100-watt A-line replacement LED bulb has earned recognition from two influential lighting industry organizations. The American Lighting Association (ALA) has chosen the bulb as a winner of its Lighting for Tomorrow competition, and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) has chosen to include the consumer lighting solution in its annual Progress Report. The bulb is the first 100-watt A-line replacement ENERGY STAR® LED to achieve 100 lumens per watt.
"The ALA and IES continuously support advances in the lighting field, and GE is honored to have been recognized by both prominent organizations," said Linda Pastor, LED Product Manager from GE Lighting. "Our 100-watt replacement LED is an example of GE's purposeful innovation that makes energy-efficient lighting---and its benefits---attainable for more and more consumers."
The GE 100-watt replacement LED bulb was named a Lighting for Tomorrow winner at the ALA Conference on Sept. 16. This competition honors products that help increase the market availability of well designed, energy-efficient residential lighting products with excellent quality of light. The 2014 competitors included lighting control devices, solid-state lighting (SSL) fixtures, replacement lamps and retrofit kits.
The GE 100-watt replacement LED bulb was one of ten new GE Lighting products to be selected by the IES Progress Committee and named to the IES Progress Report, a program acknowledging developments in the art and science of lighting throughout the world.
GE's 100-watt replacement ENERGY STAR-qualified LED was the first to achieve 100 lumens per watt, making it the most efficient bulb of this kind. At 1600 lumens and 16 watts, this bulb primarily helps consumers looking for brighter LED bulbs for reading lamps or task lighting, but also, it is used in various commercial applications, such as in hotel rooms. For consumers looking for higher wattage LED bulbs, they now have a realistic energy-efficient lighting solution, providing optimal energy savings for their monthly energy bill. Over the life of this bulb, estimated at more than 22 years at three hours of use per day, consumers can expect to save more than $230 based on an electric rate of $0.11/kWh.
To learn more about GE's 100-watt LED replacement and other innovative consumer LED products, visitGE Lighting's website.
GE LightingGE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs about 13,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the reveal®and energy smart® consumer brands, and Evolve™, GTx™, Immersion™, Infusion™, Lumination™, Albeo™ and Tetra® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information, visit www.gelighting.com.

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Dominion Plans To Acquire Two Solar Energy Projects In California

Dominion News

Dominion Plans To Acquire Two Solar Energy Projects In California

- Acquisitions would increase company's total long-term contracted solar portfolio to 274 megawatts in operation or under construction

- Projects would add 42 megawatts of solar generating capacity in 2015

- Interconnection, power purchase agreements, EPC contracts in place

Sep 15, 2014
RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion (NYSE: D) announced an agreement to acquire two solar energy projects totaling 42 megawatts from EDF Renewable Energy, one ofNorth America's largest independent power producers and renewable energy project developers. The acquisitions of the California projects are expected to close in 2015.
The Cottonwood project, with solar sites located in KingsKern and Marin Counties, has secured a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA), interconnection agreements and engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) contracts. The company anticipates that the 24-megawatt solar energy facility will come online in the first half of 2015.
The Catalina Solar 2 project, located in Kern County, has secured a 20-year PPA, an interconnection agreement and an EPC contract. The 18-megawatt solar energy facility is expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2015.
David A. Christian, chief executive officer of Dominion Generation, said:
"These planned acquisitions would increase our renewable energy generation and align with our portfolio of regulated and long-term contracted assets. We are working to identify additional solar projects to boost Dominion's renewable energy portfolio and support our long-term growth plan."
The Cottonwood and Catalina Solar 2 projects are expected to qualify for the federal Investment Tax Credit.
Earlier in 2014, Dominion announced agreements to purchase solar energy projects totaling 159 megawatts in California, including the 20-megawatt CID solar energy project from EDF Renewable Energy. All of these projects are under construction and are expected to be operational by late 2014.
With the anticipated addition of Cottonwood and Catalina Solar 2, Dominion's total contracted solar generating portfolio would consist of 274 megawatts. The company has developed or is developing utility-scale solar energy facilities in CaliforniaConnecticutGeorgiaIndiana and Tennessee.  Additionally, in Virginia, the company's Dominion Virginia Power electric utility is implementing the Solar Partnership Program. Under that program, Dominion will construct and operate up to 30 megawatts of company-owned solar facilities on leased rooftops or on the grounds of commercial businesses and public properties throughout the Virginia service area.
Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 23,600 megawatts of generation, 10,900 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline, and 6,400 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems with 947 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves utility and retail energy customers in 10 states.
This Dominion news release includes certain "forward-looking information." Examples include information as to expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives and future financial or other performance or assumptions concerning matters discussed in this release. Our business is influenced by many factors that are difficult to predict, involve uncertainties that may materially affect actual results and are often beyond our ability to control or estimate precisely.  We have identified and will in the future identify in our SEC Reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements. We refer you to those discussions for further information. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made.
SOURCE Dominion

Retrofitting Smart Cities | The Network

Smart cities are on the rise. According to a recent study, the number of smart cities across the world is set to quadruple between 2013 and 2025. Many of these should be new city developments. India, for example, is planning to spend US$1.13 billion on 100 of them.
But what of the rest?


Retrofitting Smart Cities | The Network

Friday, September 19, 2014

NREL: News Feature - NREL Interns Look Toward the Future

NREL: News Feature - NREL Interns Look Toward the Future

NREL Industry Growth Forum Attracts Clean Energy Entrepreneurs and Investors

NREL News Release:

NREL Industry Growth Forum Attracts Clean Energy Entrepreneurs and Investors

Forum to feature business presentations from 30 clean energy startups, networking opportunities, compelling panels and speakers

Friday, September 19, 2014

Thirty clean energy companies will present their business cases to a panel of investors and industry experts Oct. 28 and 29 in Denver, as the Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) hosts its annual Industry Growth Forum.
The 30 emerging clean energy startup companies were selected through an application and review process and will compete for the 2014 NREL Clean Energy Venture Awards. For more than 20 years, NREL’s Industry Growth Forum has been the nation’s premier clean energy investment gathering. NREL’s unique approach and interactive format make the forum a must-attend event for the clean energy business and investment community. Since 2003, presenting companies have raised more than $5 billion in investment.
In addition to the business case presentations, NREL’s two-day forum will offer an array of organized networking opportunities and will present a program that highlights clean energy technology and business developments with a comprehensive agenda featuring thought leaders who will address the most important topics in the industry today. 
“The Industry Growth Forum plays a critical role by creating opportunities that connect the key players in the clean energy business community,” said Kate Cheesbrough of NREL’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, which organizes the event. “We are bringing entrepreneurs directly together with financiers, policymakers and technology experts. By doing this, we lay the foundation for the future conversations, partnerships and eventual business decisions that will strengthen the industry as a whole.”
For more information, including the agenda, a list of participating companies, a list of sponsors, and registration information see the NREL Industry Growth Forum website.
NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL is operated for the Energy Department by The Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.
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Now showing: Duke Energy takes energy efficiency on tour - Duke Energy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -
Duke Energy and The National Theatre for Children have announced their Energy Education in Schools’ 2014-2015 performance schedule, which will include a nine-month tour featuring multiple troupes performing in over 1,000 elementary schools in eligible Duke Energy service areas.
Through this innovative program, students will learn about using energy wisely through a backdrop of zany characters and improvisational comedy.


Now showing: Duke Energy takes energy efficiency on tour - Duke Energy

Monday, September 15, 2014

Duke Energy commits $500 million to North Carolina solar power expansion - Duke Energy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -
Duke Energy today announced a $500 million commitment to a major expansion of solar power in North Carolina.
This culminates the company's request for proposals (RFP) issued in February 2014 for new solar capacity. It will help Duke Energy further its commitment to renewable energy, diversify its energy portfolio and meet North Carolina's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS). It also provides customers greater access to renewable energy in a cost-effective manner.
The company will acquire and construct three solar facilities – totaling 128 megawatts (MW) of capacity – including the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) facility east of the Mississippi River. The three facilities will be located in Bladen, Duplin and Wilson counties.


Duke Energy commits $500 million to North Carolina solar power expansion - Duke Energy