Duke Energy last week became the second major electric utility in recent months to strike a deal with gas turbine maker GE Vernova as the power sector scrambles for key components to meet an expected surge in power demand driven by new data centers.
Charlotte-based Duke, which sells electricity to 8.6 million customers in five states, is acquiring as many as 11 new gas turbines for plants already outlined in long-range energy plans filed by Duke with state regulators. The turbines, rated for between 290 megawatts and 430 MW, are in addition to eight already secured by the utility.
“As we continue to experience unprecedented growth in our service territories, securing the necessary materials to build critical infrastructure and meet the energy demand is integral to delivering value for our customers and other stakeholders,” Duke CEO Harry Sideris said in a statement.
The announcement comes three months after the nation’s largest power company, NextEra Energy, announced a partnership with GE Vernova and highlights an escalating race by power companies worldwide to secure turbines amid “historic demand.”
