Editor's note: This article originally appeared on EnerKnol. Subscribe here.
The North Carolina Utilities Commission on May 10 authorized Duke Energy Progress LLC to construct the generation components of the company's proposed Hot Springs microgrid project consisting of a 2-megawatt solar facility and a 4-megawatt lithium-based battery storage facility.
The project, to be located in Madison County, is designed to provide an innovative grid solution without the need for costly upgrades and maintenance of an existing distribution power line in the remote town.
The agency approved the microgrid as a pilot subject to conditions including reporting requirements, a study of frequency regulation, and a cap on capital costs. In addition to providing energy to Duke's system, the microgrid will be capable of operating while disconnected from the grid to improve reliability for customers connected the project.
While grid-tied, the microgrid is designed to provide frequency, voltage, and ramping support, as well as capacity during system peaks.
The project is part of Duke Energy's Western Carolinas Modernization Project aimed at advancing clean energy in the region and also includes a plan to replace a coal power plant in Asheville with a gas-powered plant next year. The company's integrated resource plan includes an investment of $500 million in battery storage projects in the Carolinas over the next 15 years, resulting in a 20-fold increase in the region's storage capacity.
EnerKnol is a provider of regulatory data, analytics, and tracking software for North American energy markets.
Recommended Reading
VAALCO Reports Increased Reserves After Svenska Deal
2024-07-16 - VAALCO acquired Swedish E&P Svenska’s 27.39% non-operated working interest in the deepwater Baobab Field in Block CI-40, offshore Côte d’Ivoire.
NTSA Opens Investigations into UK North Sea Decommissioning Delays
2024-07-16 - The North Sea Transition Authority is investigating missed deadlines for well decommissioning projects on the U.K. Continental Shelf that have already increased forecast P&A costs to $31 billion between 2023 and 2032.
Tech Trends, URTeC Edition: Unconventional Solutions for Unconventional Resources
2024-07-16 - In this month’s Tech Trends, which takes place at the 2024 Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, new technologies are on display that ensure both efficient and sustainable operations.
Texas Restaurants Sue Utility CenterPoint Over Response to Hurricane Beryl
2024-07-16 - Restaurants in Houston and nearby regions filed a class action lawsuit, collectively seeking over $100 million, against U.S. power producer CenterPoint Energy Inc. for lack of power following Hurricane Beryl.
E&P Highlights: July 15, 2024
2024-07-15 - Here’s a roundup of the latest E&P headlines, including Freeport LNG’s restart after Hurricane Beryl and ADNOC’s deployment of AI-powered tech at its offshore fields.