From Staff Reports

Duke Energy’s plans to convert its coal-burning generating units at Lake Julian to natural gas was trimmed down — and then approved — by the state Utilities Commission on Feb. 29.  

Duke’s plans to build two “combined-cycle” turbines at the plant received approval from the commission.

However, the panel rejected Duke’s plans to build a third, less-efficient turbine, which environmental groups had attacked as unnecessary.

Despite the rejection, Duke can seek approval for the third turbine later, if it still feels it is needed, the commission’s order says.

The third turbine would allow Duke to meet energy requirements in Buncombe County — and some outlying areas — for years into the future, if energy-efficiency measures do not work out, the utility argued.

In response, environmental groups termed the Feb. 29 action a mixed decision. They were please with the rejection of the third turbine and the reduction in air pollution the final plan will bring.

However, they remained concerned that the two new gas turbines will translate into an ongoing commitment by Duke to burn fossil fuels  for years to come.

Following the commission’s decision, Duke said that it will proceed with building  the two combined-cycle turbines with a total capacity of 560 megawatts to replace the current 376-watt coal plant. 

Duke said it will fulfill its previous promise to work with local governments and communities to implement strategies to reduce energy use in hopes of making the third, 186-watt turbine unnecessary.