Davie and Davidson county residents attend Duke Energy open houses to oppose plans for a massive fossil fuel complex along the Yadkin River
Duke Energy's proposed methane gas energy complex in Davie and Davidson counties, North Carolina, is facing strong community opposition. Residents are protesting the two power plants and an LNG facility due to environmental concerns, potential health impacts, and increased electric bills. The project is being developed to meet projected demand from data centers and other large industries in the region.
Duke Energy is facing significant community backlash over its proposed Davie-Davidson methane gas energy complex across Davie and Davidson counties in North Carolina. The utility held two open houses this week, where residents from grassroots groups "Davidson and Davie for a Clean Future" and "Davie Against Data" staged protests against the plan. The project involves two methane gas-fired power plants totaling almost 3 gigawatts in Davie County and an "enhanced" liquefied natural gas facility in Davidson County, connected by a 3-mile pipeline under the Yadkin River.
Residents voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about severe air pollution, impacts to the Yadkin River, loss of rural character, and rising electric bills, which they believe would be exacerbated by the project. Barry Sink, a Davidson County resident, highlighted the health risks from air pollution, while Davie County resident Sarah Weschler emphasized the importance of preserving the region's natural beauty. Nicole Eastman of Yadkin Riverkeeper warned that the development would industrialize a wild and historic section of the river, threatening drinking water, recreation, and habitat.
Juhi Modi, North Carolina Program Coordinator with Appalachian Voices, noted that Davidson County's fine particulate matter levels are already near federal limits, and the project could push them over, hindering future economic development. The proposed power plants are driven by projected electricity demand, partly from data centers and other large industries, which has already fueled widespread opposition to data center proliferation in the area.