Duke Energy Actions

Belews Creek

Duke Energy effectively manages its air emissions by using a diverse mix of fuels to generate electricity, including coal, natural gas, nuclear and hydro, by operating efficiently, and by employing state-of-the-art emission reduction technologies to control sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury (Hg) and particulates.

We are in the process of making significant reductions in our sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions through the implementation of North Carolina’s landmark Clean Smokestacks legislation and federal Clean Air Act requirements. Duke Energy has invested over $1.5 billion in NOx controls since 1998 and is investing nearly $3.5 billion more to further reduce both NOx and SO2 emissions.

Duke Energy utilizes a combination of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) technology and low NOx burner technology to reduce NOx emissions.

Duke Energy has installed SCR technology on the following units:

  • Belews Creek Units 1 and 2
  • Cliffside Unit 5
  • East Bend Unit 2
  • Gibson Units 1-5
  • Miami Fort Units 7 and 8
  • Zimmer Unit 1

SCR technology has been installed on these units because they are among the largest coal-generating units on the Duke Energy system, which allows Duke Energy to achieve the greatest reduction in emissions at the lowest cost to our customers.

The units that do not use SCR technology employ SNCR and/or low NOx burner technology.

Duke Energy Coal-Fired Power Plants
Annual Nitrogen Oxides Emissions (tons)

The projected 2010 level of NOx emissions represents over a 70 percent reduction from 1997.

Duke Energy is employing flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technology, commonly referred to as a “scrubber,” to reduce SO2 emissions.

Duke Energy has installed scrubbers on the following units.

  • Belews Creek Units 1 and 2
  • East Bend Unit 2
  • Gibson Units 2-5
  • Marshall Units 1-4 
  • Zimmer Unit 1

Duke Energy is in the process of installing scrubbers on the following units.

  • Allen Units 1-5
  • Cayuga Units 1 and 2
  • Cliffside Unit 5
  • Gibson Unit 1
  • Miami Fort Units 7 and 8

Scrubbers are being installed on these units because they are among the largest coal-fired generating units on the Duke Energy system, which allows Duke Energy to achieve the greatest reduction in emissions at the lowest cost to our customers. Scrubbers are also planned for the six coal-fired generating units in which Duke Energy has an ownership interest but does not operate. When installations are complete, 75 percent of Duke Energy’s coal-fired generating capacity will utilize scrubbers.

Duke Energy Coal-Fired Power Plants
Annual Sulfur Dioxide Emissions (tons)

The projected 2010 level of SO2 emissions represents about a 70 percent reduction in just 5 years.