South Carolina – On Friday, Duke Energy Progress asked the South Carolina Public Service Commission (PSCSC) for permission to start building a big solar power project. This project would be 76 megawatts and next to the Robinson Nuclear Plant, which is in 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,” said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina state president, in a press release. “The proposed Robinson Solar Center is part of the thousands of megawatts of solar that will help us do that.”
If they get the green light, Duke Energy Progress plans to start building on about 345 acres near the existing nuclear plant in 2026. The company hopes to have the solar facility up and running by 2027. This new solar power will help meet the increasing energy needs of the Pee Dee area in South Carolina. For anyone looking for more details, Duke Energy has information on their website at duke-energy.com/RobinsonSolarCenter.
South Carolina growth forces companies to mix energy sources
South Carolina is experiencing a surge in growth, from an increase in people moving there to a boom in manufacturing and big economic achievements. In fact, the Census Bureau noted that in 2023, South Carolina had the fastest population growth in the country, a lot of which can be attributed to the state’s thriving economy.
As South Carolina grows, there’s a need for more clean energy, like solar power, to keep up with the demand. That’s where projects like the Robinson Solar Center come in, mixing different kinds of energy sources to make sure there’s always enough power.
“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.”
Nuclear power production to continue
The Robinson Nuclear Plant has been very important for over 50 years, especially for the Pee Dee area, and will continue to be a vital part of Duke Energy’s plan for a mix of energy sources.
Nuclear power is unique because it doesn’t produce carbon emissions and can generate electricity all the time, regardless of the weather. Duke Energy plans to renew licenses for all its nuclear plants (11 reactors at six locations in the Carolinas), including the Robinson Nuclear Plant. They’re looking to apply for this renewal in 2025, which would ensure the plant can keep providing reliable and affordable clean energy for many more years.
Read also: Dominion Energy charitable foundation opens grants for South Carolina nonprofits
About Duke Energy Progress
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 across a 29,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina.
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