Duke Energy’s Carolinas resource plan targets 18.5 GW of new solar capacity by 2041 to support regional load growth.

Duke Energy on Monday filed its 2026 Carolinas Resource Plan with the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, detailing a recommended portfolio of supply-side additions across its North Carolina and South Carolina service territories. Over the next 15 years, the plan calls for 18.5 GW of new solar capacity, 14 GW of gas generation, and 13 GW of energy storage.

In filings with regulators, Duke noted that its dual-state territory “continues to experience significant growth,” with both North and South Carolina ranked among the fastest-growing states in the nation. To accommodate this expansion, the utility’s base planning forecast projects a winter peak increase of more than 10 GW, reflecting cumulative growth of approximately 30%.

The recommended portfolio also includes approximately 4.5 GW of new nuclear capacity, which Duke described as an “important resource to support long-term reliability and system needs.” Concurrently, the utility is working to extend operational licenses for its existing nuclear fleet to allow operation up to 80 years. “To date, Duke Energy has received subsequent renewed operating licenses for two of its six nuclear sites, both located in South Carolina, representing four of the fleet’s 11 units,” the company told regulators.

Gas additions planned through 2041 will be divided into 8.2 GW of combined cycle generators and 5.8 GW of combustion turbines. Duke characterized natural gas as a “major near-term reliability resource,” pointing to recently approved plans for a 1.4 GW combined cycle facility in Anderson County, South Carolina, alongside executed turbine supply agreements with GE Vernova.

On renewables and storage, Duke stated that “Solar procurement and construction remain active, including completed facilities, projects under construction, and RFPs for solar and solar paired with storage.” The company added that it “is scaling battery storage execution, with storage projects in service, equipment secured, interconnection activity underway, and an RFP for 400 MW of standalone storage in South Carolina.”

Duke also highlighted its grid-edge initiatives as a “core execution tool to reduce, shift, and shape demand through energy efficiency, demand-side management, load curtailment, customer programs, and storage demand response.” The current plan maintains a minimum annual energy efficiency savings target of 1% within the utility’s load forecast and incorporates its growing demand response capabilities.

The South Carolina PSC is scheduled to hold a hearing on the resource plan in April, with a regulatory order expected by June.