Duke Energy Unveils New Clean Energy Initiative in South Carolina

On March 18, 2026, Duke Energy Corp announced a major milestone in its commitment to sustainability with the launch of the 10-megawatt (MW) Ebbie Solar project in Marion, South Carolina. This facility is the first project in the state to operate under the company’s updated Green Source Advantage (GSA) program, which aims to help large business customers achieve their renewable energy goals.

The launch comes on the heels of Duke Energy's Renewable Choice program exceeding its initial enrollment targets in 2025. This reflects a robust demand from large commercial and industrial customers for flexible access to clean energy options. The GSA program allows these customers to support new renewable energy projects connected to Duke Energy's grid, receiving renewable energy certificates (RECs) and bill credits for the clean energy produced.

The Ebbie Solar facility, located in Marion, is expected to generate over 23,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity annually. This energy will be supplied under a long-term agreement with the Schaeffler Group, a company that is committed to advancing its sustainability goals. Notably, the project was developed using American-made panels and domestic steel, reinforcing the local economy while promoting clean energy.

Enel X Advisory Services played an advisory role to Schaeffler in the project, while Headwater Energy developed the facility, which it will own and operate.

Joe Bailey, the region facilities manager for Schaeffler, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "Partnering with Duke Energy and Headwater Energy on the solar project in South Carolina marks a milestone in our sustainability journey. By generating clean electricity that offsets approximately 25% of the combined energy consumption across our three Cheraw plants, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also reinforcing our commitment to clean energy."

Heather Shirley Smith, Duke Energy's vice president of regulatory affairs and policy for South Carolina, emphasized the importance of customer feedback in shaping their clean energy offerings. "By building scalable options that balance customer choice with system-wide benefits, we're helping bring new renewable generation onto the grid while delivering value for all customers," she remarked.

Duke Energy's Renewable Choice program has successfully subscribed 57 MW of new renewable capacity, with 42 MW in Duke Energy Carolinas territory and 15 MW in Duke Energy Progress territory. This program enables eligible non-residential customers with at least 1 MW of annual peak demand to match up to 100% of their electricity use, while providing benefits to all retail customers through the Clean Energy Environmental Attribute (CEEA) revenue.

The appetite for renewable energy continues to rise among businesses, prompting Duke Energy to enhance its offerings to assist customers in achieving their sustainability objectives. The Ebbie Solar project has already entered operational service as of February 3, 2026, and Schaeffler is set to fully participate in the Green Source Advantage program this month.

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., serves approximately 8.6 million customers across six states. The company is currently executing a comprehensive energy transition, focusing on customer reliability and value while building a smarter energy future. Its efforts include significant investments in electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources such as natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage.

For further information, Duke Energy provides updates and insights through its website and various social media platforms.

As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, Duke Energy's initiatives are setting a precedent in the energy sector, paving the way for a more sustainable future.