Duke Energy’s Andy Browning joins Dave and Steve to unpack how a modern utility balances today’s demand spikes—especially from data centers—with tomorrow’s low-carbon grid. Andy traces his path from Babcock & Wilcox field engineer to Duke’s GM of Engineering & Construction Services, explains why Duke runs an “all-of-the-above” strategy (gas as a bridge, batteries for flexibility, solar growth, hydro upgrades), and makes the case that nuclear—both large units and SMRs—will anchor long-term reliability. The trio dig into dam stabilization, battery use cases (peak shaving and PV smoothing), project timelines and costs, community engagement, and how policy and tariffs shape what actually gets built. They close with a look at fusion research and a rapid-fire on bourbon, woodworking, and what fuels resilience.
Key Takeaways
- Career & scope: Andy oversees engineering, construction, commissioning, quality, safety, and project controls for Duke’s big builds.
- Cultural lesson: International work taught him to respect local pace and processes—context changes what “top priority” means.
- Hydro safety: Post-FERC reviews are driving earthen-dam rebuilds (compaction, drainage layers) to prevent liquefaction under seismic events.
- Resource mix: Duke is pursuing gas, nuclear, solar, hydro, and batteries; offshore wind unlikely near-term given costs and policy headwinds.
- Batteries’ role: Great for peak shaving and smoothing solar variability; typical systems are 2–4-hour duration (e.g., 10 MW / 40 MWh).
- Scale & siting: Solar needs ~6–10 acres per MW and only delivers during daylight; data centers requesting 400–1,000 MW reshape planning.
- Timelines & costs (rule of thumb): Batteries ~12–15 months after development; solar similar; combined-cycle gas ~4 years; nuclear 10+ years.
- Cost reality: A 75-MW solar site ≈ $100–150M; a 1,000-MW gas plant ≈ ~$2B; nuclear is multiples beyond—but with long lifespans.
- Nuclear outlook: Expect SMRs + large reactors; challenges include qualified supply chains, workforce, and public education; existing units targeting 80-year life via extensions.
- Data-center surge: Demand is soaring; innovative financing/ownership models (e.g., behind-the-meter, cost-sharing) may protect retail customers.
