Electricity Resource Plan for Duke Energy

This whitepaper analyzes Duke Energy's 2023-2024 Carbon Plan and Integrated Resource Plan (CPIRP), focusing on the identification of opportunities to enhance clean and cost-effective energy resources. The document evaluates the EDF Scenario, which proposes an alternative resource mix for Duke Energy Carolinas (DEC) and Duke Energy Progress (DEP) in North Carolina. It emphasizes the incorporation of more renewable technologies, particularly solar and wind, while reducing reliance on coal and natural gas. The analysis uses an Excel-based framework to estimate future emissions and generating capacity across various scenarios, including the Companies Stipulation and proposals from the North Carolina Attorney General's Office. Key findings indicate that the EDF Scenario could lead to significant reductions in CO2 emissions and enhance grid reliability. The paper also critiques the modeling assumptions used by Duke Energy, suggesting that they may limit the potential for solar and wind resource expansion. Overall, the whitepaper aims to present a comprehensive view of the implications of different energy resource strategies for North Carolina's electricity generation landscape.