Challenges and Opportunities for a Clean Energy Future: A Case Study in the Carolinas

Abstract

In the 2020 Integrated Resource Plans of Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Carolinas, the utility established a goal of reaching 70% greenhouse gas emissions reductions from 2005 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. In this study, we aim to take an objective view of the IRP’s assumptions and findings. We defined a base case for 2020, a business-as-usual pathway for 2035, and a decarbonization pathway for 2035. We then ran these pathways through a unit commitment model developed by the team at GRACE, a team of experts specializing in electric power systems optimization, to simulate a year of operations at Duke Energy. We examine which pathways can achieve 70% greenhouse gas emissions reductions and compare them in terms of emissions and costs. The goal is to objectively determine the assumptions and components of a pathway that achieves Duke Energy’s goals.