Combined-cycle technology uses two processes. 

The first process includes a combustion turbine that operates like a jet engine, drawing in and compressing outside air to a high pressure. The pressurized air mixes with natural gas then burns, creating hot exhaust gases. These gases power the combustion turbine, spin a generator and ultimately make energy.

The second process sends the hot exhaust gases from the combustion turbine to a heat recovery system. This system captures the heat from the hot exhaust gases to produce steam. This steam then goes to a steam turbine that rotates another generator and makes additional energy. 

Combined-cycle technology is highly efficient because of this heat recovery system. Without this system, all of the heat from the hot exhaust gases would be wasted and released to the atmosphere instead of being captured and used to generate steam and make more energy. 

Building highly efficient natural gas plants is part of Duke Energy’s balanced approach to meeting future demand for reliable and increasingly clean energy.

As a regulated utility, we are required to meet our customers' energy needs 24/7 in the most cost-effective manner possible and with limited environmental impacts. Doing this requires a mix of energy resources. Investing in natural gas infrastructure will help us meet our customers' energy needs today and in the future.

Duke Energy carefully manages a variety of uncertainties and closely monitors natural gas prices.

As a regulated utility, Duke Energy is required to meet customers' energy needs 24/7 in the most cost-effective manner possible and with limited environmental impacts. Today, with historically low natural gas prices and projections expected to remain stable, it’s the most cost-effective option for our customers.

These new facilities boost local economies in three main ways. First, the large construction work force, ranging from 600 to 2,800 temporary workers depending on the size of the project, spends months or years living in these local communities investing in local hotels, restaurants, shops and recreation. Second, the new plant becomes part of the local tax base, contributing to schools, emergency services and other governmental programs. Third, employees work and live in these local communities, often giving back through volunteerism and financial contributions to nonprofit organizations.