Proposed Natural Gas Plants Spark Environmental Concerns
The potential development of new natural gas facilities is causing a stir among environmentalists, as Duke Energy plans to expand its footprint along the Yadkin River.
Duke Energy has unveiled plans to erect two natural gas power plants in Davidson and Davie counties, though the precise locations remain undisclosed. The utility giant does, however, possess land in the vicinity that could serve as potential sites.
During a well-attended meeting in Lexington, Crystal Norford from Clean Water for North Carolina voiced apprehension about the project’s possible impact on water resources. She remarked, “One of these gas plants alone could withdraw 600,000 gallons from the Yadkin River per day, that is at the low end.”
The sentiment was echoed by local farmer Xander Bostick, who shared his concerns about the repercussions on agriculture. “The Yadkin is already low,” he noted, highlighting the reliance of an estimated 250 farmers in Davidson and Davie counties on the river for irrigation.
Duke Energy maintains that the proposed plants are necessary to meet the increasing energy demands, a surge attributed partly to the growth of data centers in the area.
As the proposal is in its infancy, it will require a series of approvals from state and local authorities before any construction can begin.
