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
This measure captures renewable energy from the Duke Energy grid, biogas produced from the South Durham Water Reclamation Facility and the closed Durham landfill, solar generated both on- and off-site, and biodiesel used in fleet and transit vehicles.
In the graph at right, the light blue section represents planned and funded projects, including the City's participation in Green Source Advantage which will source 20 MW of clean, green solar energy starting in FY2026. Additional renewable energy projects will be identified to meet the City's goal to power City facilities and operations with 80% renewable energy sources by 2030.
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?
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Joined Green Source Advantage in partnership with Durham County and Durham Public Schools to source 20MW of clean, green solar energy starting in FY2026.
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Installed 200 kW of on-site solar in City facilities.
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Harnessed biogas produced at the South Durham Water Reclamation Facility to power operations.
- Increasing the use of biodiesel in our fleet and transit vehicles
What's next?
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Conduct Biosolids and Renewable Energy Plan for Water Management operations.
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Energize new solar array for the Mist Lake Water Management facility.
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Bring Green Source Advantage solar array online in FY2026.
- Energize more new solar arrays, such as the array at the Mist Lake Water Management facility.
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Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
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