RALEIGH — The N.C. Utilities Commission denied Duke Energy Progress’ application to build a 240-megawatt natural-gas turbine at its Smith Energy Complex in Richmond County, according to The News & Observer.
The commission’s public docket listing identifies the case as E-2, Sub 1395 and describes Duke’s request as a certificate of public convenience and necessity for a 240-megawatt natural gas-fueled simple-cycle combustion turbine in Richmond County.
The News & Observer reported that the proposed expansion could cost $584 million or more and was intended to help meet projected electricity demand from future data centers. The denial stops the certificate request Duke filed for this project; it is not a closure of the existing Smith operation.
Duke’s project page describes the planned unit as an approximately 250-megawatt turbine next to five existing combustion turbines. The company said the new unit would use the plant’s existing natural-gas supply and would not require an additional pipeline.
Duke had projected late 2029 commercial service, contingent on regulatory approval, permitting, engineering and construction. The company also estimated 200 to 250 short-term construction jobs; it lists 40 existing jobs at the Smith complex.
The capacity descriptions are not identical: the commission docket uses 240 megawatts, while Duke’s public project page rounds the planned capacity to approximately 250 megawatts.