Duke Energy refocusing after coal ash spill

October 23, 2014 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

Duke Energy is readjusting its focus with a recommitment to operational excellence in the aftermath of the coal ash spill from its Dan River Steam Station in North Carolina this February and continuing to shift toward a cleaner, more diverse mix of energy sources.

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To further its commitment, Duke Energy is investing approximately $2 billion to help build the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to bring new supplies of natural gas to Eastern North Carolina, one of the few regions in the Southeast that is not directly served by a major pipeline.

The company is also substantially increasing renewable energy in North Carolina -- specifically, through a $500 million investment in new solar facilities in the state, including what will be the largest solar plant east of the Mississippi River, increasing Duke's solar capacity in the state by 60 percent.

Duke Energy says it is determined to address coal ash management, setting high standards in the process.

"Although there are several safe options for permanently closing ash basins, there is no one-size-fits-all solution," said Lynn Good, Duke Energy president and CEO. "Every ash basin is unique and the appropriate methods will vary based on site-specific factors that must be evaluated by engineers and environmental experts."

To this end, Duke is establishing a national advisory board of independent experts to provide insight and perspective on the company's closure plans and strategies, as well as creating a new Coal Combustion Product organization to provide rigorous management for all of the coal combustion production across the company. This team will be responsible for advancing Duke Energy's comprehensive plan to permanently close all of its ash basins, including the company's 32 basins in North Carolina.

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http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/duke-energy-refocusing-after-coal-ash-spill/2014-10-23