Duke Energy progress seeking approval to build new solar facility

Duke Energy Progress is seeking approval from the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) to build and own a utility-scale solar power facility.

The proposed 76-megawatt facility would be located adjacent to the existing Robinson Nuclear Plant on the 345-acre existing site located in both Chesterfield and Darlington counties.

“Making smart investments in South Carolina’s energy future is a priority for Duke Energy – one that focuses on delivering reliable, affordable service every day to the customers and communities we serve, and on transitioning to cleaner energy options and a lower carbon future,” Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina state president, said. “The proposed Robinson Solar Center is part of the thousands of megawatts of solar that will help us do that.”

If approved, construction would begin in 2026 and it would be in operation in 2027.

To meet the growing energy needs of the region, the company is seeking to provide a diverse mix of resources – including solar and nuclear.

“We are using an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach that incorporates renewables like solar, next-generation and existing nuclear, natural gas and hydroelectric sources,” Callahan said. “This diverse mix will help Duke Energy meet customer expectations for cleaner energy while also reliably powering communities across the state.”

Duke Energy intends to relicense its entire nuclear fleet — 11 reactors at six plant sites in the Carolinas, including Robinson Nuclear Plant. The company intends to submit its license renewal application in 2025.

Duke Energy Progress, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.7 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in North Carolina and South Carolina.