“The non-binding goal was spurred largely by Duke’s increasing reliance on natural gas.” So burning natural gas has no emissions?

“With the announcement, Duke also accelerated a goal set in 2017 to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. That goal will now be at least a 50% reduction by 2030, a target Duke expects to meet without new technology.

“But Duke calls continued reliance on nuclear energy, one of its bedrock sources of energy, ‘central to our ability to meet these (carbon) goals. Its six nuclear plants in the Carolinas are aging, with their federal licenses expiring between 2030 and 2046. But Duke hopes for new technologies such as small, modular plants to emerge…

“Duke Energy Carolinas, the utility that serves Charlotte, has reported to N.C. regulators that it expects coal-fired generation to drop from 29% this year to 18% by 2033. Nuclear power would drop slightly to 21% by 2033. Natural gas would increase from 24% this year to 32% in 2033, while renewable energy and efficiency measures would grow from 8% to 16%. Duke acknowledges that indirect factors called offsets and credits might be applied in calculating emission reductions by 2050.”

Sources: Charlotte Observer Web | PDF Duke Energy media release Web | PDF