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Duke Energy's Bold Move for a Sustainable Future

On March 18, 2026, Duke Energy marked a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector with the launch of the Ebbie Solar project, a 10-megawatt (MW) facility located in Marion, South Carolina. This initiative is notable as it stands as the first solar energy project in the state under Duke Energy's updated Green Source Advantage (GSA) program, designed to bolster sustainability efforts among businesses.

The Ebbie Solar project comes at a time when the demand for clean energy among large commercial and industrial consumers is growing rapidly. In 2025, Duke Energy's Renewable Choice program saw enrollment exceed initial targets, reflecting the increasing interest in flexible, reliable clean energy options. The success of these programs highlights the rising trend among corporations seeking ways to lessen their carbon footprint and enhance their sustainability commitments.

Renewable Choice Program: Empowering Businesses

Duke Energy's Green Source Advantage program enables large business customers to support the development of renewable energy projects directly on its grid. Participants receive renewable energy certificates (RECs) and bill credits, providing tangible benefits for investing in clean energy. The Ebbie Solar facility will supply renewable energy to the Schaeffler Group, allowing the company to reduce its overall energy consumption, which is critical as they aim to offset approximately 25% of energy usage across their three plants in Cheraw.

Notably, the Ebbie Solar project is built using American-made solar panels and domestic steel, reinforcing the commitment to local economies while emphasizing sustainability. It is projected to generate over 23,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity per year, exemplifying how local initiatives can lead to a substantial impact on energy consumption and environmental responsibility.

Voices Behind the Project

Joe Bailey, the region facilities manager for Schaeffler, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Duke Energy and Headwater Energy, stating, "This project marks a significant milestone in our sustainability journey. By generating clean electricity that offsets part of our energy consumption, we are solidifying our commitment to clean energy initiatives."

Heather Shirley Smith, Duke Energy’s vice president of regulatory affairs and policy for South Carolina, commented, "Feedback from our customers has been instrumental in designing our clean energy offerings. By providing businesses with multiple, flexible solutions, we are helping them achieve their sustainability goals while also benefiting all customers through system-wide enhancements."

Future Prospects: A Growing Renewable Capacity

The success of Duke Energy’s Renewable Choice program cannot be overlooked. As of now, the program has subscribed to 57 MW of new renewable capacity, illustrating the strong demand from businesses wanting to access renewable energy. This includes 42 MW in the Duke Energy Carolinas area and 15 MW in the Duke Energy Progress territory. This growing capacity not only supports individual business needs but also contributes to broader environmental goals by generating Clean Energy Environmental Attribute (CEEA) revenue.

Conclusion: A Vision for Sustainability

The unveiling of the Ebbie Solar project underscores Duke Energy’s commitment to energizing the green transition. With the project now operational and providing vital renewable energy to the grid, the path forward appears promising for businesses pursuing sustainability. Duke Energy is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming the energy landscape, ensuring that as they innovate, they also maintain reliability and value for all customers. As Schaeffler acknowledges its full participation in the program this month, it’s clear that partnerships like these will be crucial as more businesses move towards a greener, more sustainable future.

For more information about Duke Energy's initiatives and clean energy options, visit Duke Energy.

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