Duke Energy

Data Center Signal is tracking 133 clips about Duke Energy data center developments across 9 states, including NC, FL, SC, TN, OH.

133Clips

9States

States

Topics

electricity99%

government89%

opposition54%

environmental53%

zoning24%

moratorium23%

water23%

announcement9%

legal8%

News ClipWRAL·Hamlet, Richmond County, NC

North Carolina approves diesel generator permits for Amazon data center

North Carolina regulators approved air quality permits for Amazon and Duke Energy to operate 649 diesel generators at a new data center campus near Hamlet, despite significant opposition and environmental concerns. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality stated its authority was limited to ensuring compliance with existing air quality standards and could not consider combined emissions or project location. Environmental groups criticized the decision, arguing the generators should have been treated as a single pollution source.

environmental government electricity opposition

Amazon

9/1/2026

News ClipRichmond Observer·Hamlet, Richmond County, NC

NCDEQ Division of Air Quality issues permits for Amazon data center project

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Division of Air Quality (NCDEQ DAQ) has approved air quality permits for Amazon's data center campus in Hamlet, North Carolina. These permits, one for Amazon's backup engines and another for Duke Energy's temporary 'bridge power' engines, include conditions to cap emissions and ensure federal air quality standards are met, despite public opposition.

environmental government opposition electricity

Amazon

8/31/2026

News ClipWSOC TV·Richmond County, NC

Amazon, Duke Energy get green light for Richmond County generators at data center

Amazon and Duke Energy received approval from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to operate over 600 diesel generators for a data center in Richmond County. This decision came despite local residents voicing concerns about potential noise and pollution impacts from the project. The DEQ is requiring additional monitoring due to these concerns.

environmental electricity opposition

Amazon

8/31/2026

News Clip930 WFMD Free Talk·NC

Dem Senate hopeful pivots on data centers as rising power costs collide with campaign

Democratic Senate nominee Roy Cooper has shifted his stance on data centers, advocating that they should pay for their own power to prevent rising utility costs for North Carolina consumers. This pivot contrasts with his previous support for data center growth and tax incentives as governor. Cooper emphasizes that local communities should have the final say on new data center projects, including potential moratoriums.

electricity government opposition

Apple Meta Microsoft Google

8/30/2026

News ClipWhoWhatWhy·Memphis, Shelby County, TN

Musk’s Colossus Data Center Complex Is Poisoning the Air in Memphis

Elon Musk's Colossus data center complex near Memphis, TN, and Southaven, MS, is reportedly causing significant air pollution and high water usage. The facility, which includes hyperscale data centers, battery storage, and a gas-turbine power plant, is criticized for prioritizing operation over environmental goals. Residents in nearby communities are experiencing respiratory problems and other health issues attributed to the complex's toxic emissions.

environmental water electricity

SpaceX

8/30/2026

News ClipRaleigh News & Observer·Hamlet, Richmond County, NC

NC DEQ approves air permits for giant Amazon data center in Richmond County

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has approved two air quality permits for a large Amazon data center in Hamlet, Richmond County. This decision has sparked significant concern from environmental groups and local opponents who worry about increased air pollution from the project's numerous diesel generators. The data center represents a $10 billion investment for Amazon.

environmental electricity government opposition announcement

Amazon

8/29/2026

News ClipWFAE·Richmond County, NC

Amazon’s Richmond County data center gets green light on air quality permits

The North Carolina Division of Air Quality has issued air quality permits for Amazon's controversial data center project in Richmond County. These permits cover backup power generation for Amazon and construction generators for Duke Energy. The decision comes despite significant public concern raised at a recent public hearing regarding potential air pollution from diesel generators.

environmental electricity government opposition announcement

Amazon

8/29/2026

News ClipAppalachian Voices·NC

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.

opposition environmental electricity

8/28/2026

News Clipthe-dispatch.com·Reeds, Davidson County, NC

Inside the meeting, outside the protest: Debate grows over Davie-Davidson Energy Complex

Duke Energy's proposed multi-billion-dollar Davie-Davidson Energy Complex, which includes natural gas power plants and an LNG storage facility in Davidson and Davie counties, is facing significant community opposition. Local residents and environmental groups are protesting the project, raising concerns about air quality, water resources, and public health, while the project awaits approval from the N.C. Utilities Commission and environmental permitting agencies. A key point of debate includes the role of data centers in driving the region's energy demand.

electricity environmental opposition water government zoning

8/28/2026

News ClipWSOC TV·NC

How NC regulators could protect ratepayers from the cost of powering data centers

The North Carolina Utilities Commission is considering proposed "large load tariffs" from Duke Energy and the state's Public Staff. These tariffs aim to ensure that the cost of increased electric grid infrastructure for large energy users, such as data centers, is not borne by general ratepayers. Environmental groups are advocating for even stronger provisions, including requirements for clean energy and load flexibility.

electricity government environmental

8/26/2026

News Clip2:26WCJB TV20 News·Marion County, FL

Residents divided over future of data centers

Marion County, Florida, is at a crossroads regarding future data center development, with residents divided between economic opportunities and environmental concerns. A recent workshop highlighted significant worries about water usage impacting Silver Springs and increased electricity demand, prompting calls for stricter zoning in industrial areas.

zoning opposition environmental government electricity water

8/25/2026

News ClipWCJB·Ocala, Marion County, FL

Marion County residents divided over future of data centers

Marion County, Florida, is at a crossroads regarding future data center development, with residents divided between economic opportunities and environmental concerns. A workshop highlighted impacts on water use and power demand, with environmental groups urging strict zoning to protect the area's natural resources. Newly elected county commissioners are observing the debate as the county considers its path forward.

zoning opposition environmental government electricity water

8/25/2026

News ClipState Affairs·FL

PSC Grants Request to Consider Data Center Moratoriums

Florida's Public Service Commission will consider local data center moratoriums during a hearing on Duke Energy Florida's electricity proposal. This decision marks a significant step for potential future data center development in the state.

moratorium electricity government

8/21/2026

News ClipTampa Bay Times·FL

Duke Energy tries to disqualify consumer group from Florida data center hearings

Duke Energy is attempting to disqualify a consumer group from participating in Florida data center hearings. This case is seen as a test for how other utilities, such as Florida Power & Light and Tampa Electric, might manage data center-related issues in the future.

electricity government legal opposition

8/21/2026

News ClipThe Asheville Citizen Times·Rockingham, Richmond County, NC

AI could reshape North Carolina’s grid — and its communities

Protests have erupted in North Carolina against the state's AI roadmap and specific data center developments, notably Amazon's proposed campus in Richmond County. Residents and environmental advocates are raising concerns about increased electricity demand, potential rate hikes by Duke Energy, and pollution from diesel generators. State agencies are currently reviewing air-permit applications for the Amazon data center campus.

electricity environmental opposition government

Amazon

8/21/2026

News ClipState Affairs·FL

Duke Energy Florida Pushes Back on Considering Data Center Moratoriums

Duke Energy Florida is opposing requests for state regulators to consider local data center moratoriums during upcoming hearings. The utility argues that these local issues should not influence statewide reviews.

moratorium government electricity

8/20/2026

News ClipKiss 95.1 Charlotte·Rockingham, Richmond County, NC

North Carolina Faces Rising Power Bills as Data Centers Drive 80 Percent of Energy Demand Growth

Data centers are projected to drive 80% of North Carolina's electricity demand growth by 2030, leading to proposed utility rate hikes by Duke Energy and statewide opposition from residents and advocates. A specific Amazon AI and cloud-computing campus in Richmond County, requiring numerous diesel generators, is a focal point of environmental concerns and protests. The state's Attorney General has challenged Duke Energy's proposed rate settlement.

electricity opposition environmental government

Amazon

8/20/2026

News ClipThe Statehouse News Bureau·Trenton, Butler County, OH

Trenton, Ohio Data Center Development Raises Transparency Concerns and Resident Opposition

A data center project by Amazon Web Services, developed by Prologis, in Trenton, Ohio, is facing significant resident opposition due to a perceived lack of transparency from city officials regarding the land sale and development plans. Residents have raised concerns about potential environmental impacts, noise, and strain on local resources, while the city defends its actions as necessary for competitiveness and has established an I-T zoning district to mitigate impacts.

zoning opposition environmental government electricity water

Amazon

8/19/2026

News ClipThe Johnstonian News·NC

Opinion: NC can protect ratepayers without driving away data centers$

North Carolina seeks to attract data center investment while protecting ratepayers and communities through better statewide policies. Proposed legislation, Senate Bill 730, aims to ensure data centers bear their electricity costs, with debates on water use standards and local economic incentives. These discussions follow the withdrawal of a major data center project in Edgecombe County due to investor concerns about a less 'friendly' environment.

electricity government water moratorium opposition zoning

8/18/2026

News ClipRaleigh News & Observer·NC

Data centers may face new tariffs next year in Duke Energy region in NC

North Carolina's Utilities Commission is seeking proposals for new "large load tariffs" to be imposed on data center operators powered by Duke Energy, possibly starting in 2027. These tariffs aim to ensure data centers pay for the power grid upgrades their massive energy demands necessitate, preventing everyday customers from bearing the costs. Two proposals from Duke Energy and the state's Public Staff are being considered, with a decision expected this fall.

electricity government

Microsoft Amazon

8/18/2026