CTR is the sole owner of a 103-megawatt, gas-fired, combined heat and power plant located near the city of Rouen in northwest France. All of the steam and power output from CTR’s facility is sold under long-term contracts with Electricité de France, which purchases power; and OTOR Papeterie de Rouen S.A., a paper and board manufacturer, which purchases steam.

DEI Europe President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Wilt said the acquisition of CTR represents an important addition to DEI’s portfolio in the European region. "CTR provides DEI with a physical presence in the French market and supports our growing activities in the region," he said. "The strategic location of the facility represents an opportunity for DEI to continue to deliver comprehensive energy solutions to customers in the European market.”

In the coming months, DEI will work closely with Sechilienne-Sidec to integrate the facility and the team into its regional portfolio.

DEI, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, builds, through development or acquisition, regional energy businesses that include natural gas and power facilities and energy trading and marketing operations. DEI’s energy portfolio includes over 6,000 megawatts of hydroelectric and thermal generation, and nearly 2,400 miles (3,850 km) of gas pipeline in Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific .

Duke Energy is a diversified multinational energy company with an integrated network of energy assets and expertise. The company manages a dynamic portfolio of natural gas and electric supply, delivery and trading businesses – meeting the energy needs of customers throughout North America and in key markets around the world. Duke Energy, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a Fortune 100 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com.