Since 2009, Duke Energy has been working closely with two Chinese partners, China Huaneng Group and ENN Group, to cooperatively develop and commercialize an array of clean energy technologies.
In August 2009, Duke Energy signed a MOU with China Huaneng Group, encompassing discussions and information sharing on a number of renewable and clean energy fronts.
A similar MOU aimed at accelerating the development of low-carbon and clean energy technologies was signed between Duke Energy and ENN Group in September 2009.
Jim Turner, group executive, president and chief operating officer of US Franchised Electric and Gas at Duke Energy, said: “At Duke Energy, we are highly motivated to decarbonize and modernize our electric power generation fleet. We believe the industry must accelerate the commercialization of low-carbon technologies to reduce our environmental impact at the lowest possible cost while at the same time protecting the interests of our customers and shareholders.”
Mr Turner added: “Our strategic alliances in China represent the type of global collaboration that is strategically imperative for our company, and I believe, for our industry and our nation. By working together, we can leverage the clean energy work already under way in each country to create jobs and investment opportunities in China and the five-state region in the United States currently served by Duke Energy.”
The Duke Energy executive pointed out that lawmakers in the US and policy makers around the world are considering the best ways to reduce carbon emissions coming from power plants, industrial complexes, automobiles and other sources.
Mr Turner believes coal must play a role in the US power generation sector for many decades to come. He emphasized the need to develop new technologies and to understand which are most cost effective as we respond to new environmental regulations including greenhouse gas regulations.
