Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
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Initiative: 5.12 Expand onsite and offsite solar power generation (CNRE)
Thriving & Vibrant Environment
Description
This initiative will build the on-site and off-site solar photovoltaic and other renewable energy systems that are critical to achieving the goals of the City’s adopted Carbon Neutrality and Renewable Energy Action Plan. This plan commits the City to powering City facilities and operations with 80% renewable energy sources by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
Our percentage of renewable energy sourcing continues to climb, thanks in large part to the new solar array at Mist Lake and Fleet Management's efforts to source biodiesel. We are relying heavily on the Green Source Advantage program to get us about 50% of the way towards our goal.
Energy generated by renewables
Why is it important?
Expanding onsite and offsite solar power generation allows the City to reduce its carbon footprint by limiting emission of greenhouse gas emissions. It allows the City to decrease dependence on fossil fuels and save on electricity bills, creating more predictable energy costs. Combined with battery storage, this initiative will make our city buildings more resilient to prolonged power outages.
What have we been doing?
We have been working on the following activities to support this initiative:
- Installing a solar array at Mist Lake
- Working with Duke Energy and Pine Gate Renewables on the planning, design, and construction of an off-site solar array as part of Duke's Green Source Advantage (GSA) program. We are also partnering with Durham County and Durham Public Schools on this initiative.
- Conducting a study with GDS Associates to determine which facilities would be best suited for solar installation
- Researching funding alternatives to support solar projects
- Submitting budget and CIP requests to fund solar installations.
- Working on a project with approved CIP funding to install solar at four locations
- Analyzing options for producing energy and biosolids from waste produced by the City's Water Reclamation Facilities (managed by Water Management)
- Researching options for solar installations, including on the capped North Durham landfill
What's next?
We will continue work on the projects already underway and will be pursuing $950,000 in additional funding to expand our on-site solar installations. We will also closely monitor actions being taken by the federal government to implement tariffs and curtail funding for renewable energy projects. These actions will likely impact our plans and will increase the funding necessary to expand our solar and other renewable power generation.
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
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