Duke Energy Carolinas and Kentucky Utilities Corporation are at the forefront of this trend, racking up coal plant improvements throughout the United States. The two companies are currently undertaking major multimillion-dollar upgrades to increase efficiency and reliability at their most critical facilities. This initiative builds on a broader $525 million program. Its objective is to return the overall operational performance of the nation’s coal fleet to the highest possible standard.
The Belews Creek Steam Station, located in Sauratown Township, North Carolina, is set to benefit from Duke Energy’s targeted enhancements. Aerial view of the Four Corners coal-fired power plant, which the company owns. Collectively, these upgrades help improve performance and ensure affordable operational costs for consumers.
At the same time, Kentucky Utilities Corporation is making efficiency upgrades at Unit 2 of the Ghent Generating Station, their coal-fired plant located in Ghent, Kentucky. This project directly aligns with the goals of that $525 million Smart City Challenge initiative. Its purpose is to use already-approved transmission infrastructure, avoid building new, to increase reliability across the entire coal fleet.
Enhancements at Belews Creek
Duke Energy Carolinas has recently undertaken a capital project to retrofit two units of the Belews Creek Steam Station. This facility has been key in helping reshape the energy environment in North Carolina. By investing in these upgrades, Duke Energy is planning to keep the plant running at peak efficiency.
The improvements are expected to help coal-fired power plants remain competitive. They’re just one slice of a much broader strategy that’s syncing up with changing energy demands. These smart upgrades will boost overall performance and help ensure continued low electricity costs for businesses and families throughout this growing region.
“These investments will keep America’s coal plants operating, keep costs low for Americans and ensure we have the reliable power needed to keep the lights on,” – Chris Wright
Upgrades at Ghent Generating Station
Meanwhile in Kentucky, all eyes are on the Ghent Generating Station. Kentucky Utilities Corporation is investing upwards of $1 billion in upgrades on Unit 2. This plant has been an important part in supplying the region’s ever-growing demand for energy. These forthcoming efficiency upgrades will significantly increase its operational capabilities.
Kentucky Utilities is pushing a lot of money towards these improvements. Their intention is to do both preserve the reliability of the nation’s power supply and get behind national efforts to modernize coal infrastructure. The permanent strategic upgrades will take advantage of current transmission systems, limiting disruption while improvements are made.
Continued investments at the Ghent Generating Station are critical for maintaining competitive energy costs for our customers. That’s a win-win for Kentuckians and Kentucky jobs.
Broader Implications of the Program
This $525 million program could be the shot-in-the-arm reliability and efficiency across America’s coal fleet has been waiting for! Duke Energy Carolinas reliability is its top priority, according to its customers. Likewise, Kentucky Utilities Corporation is committed to providing reliable energy at the lowest reasonable cost to customers.
This targeted approach is particularly useful for improving the operational performance of existing infrastructure without the need for new investments in infrastructure. This leads to the improved sustainability of coal plants. They are still one of the most important resources in the state energy mixes.