New power plants have helped reduce emissions

North Carolina showed its dedication to a greener future by installing three new power plants at the end of 2012.

Indeed, the power plants were an attempt to reduce emissions in the area, as part of Duke Energy's (gas and electricity provider) aggressive strategy to make the transition to cleaner generation sources.

The investment was not a cheap one, however, as the new power plants cost around $3.65 billion (£22.7 billion) to install.

Despite the huge financial cost, it is thought that the gain will be greater - with a far greener future in North Carolina.

It is predicted that Duke Energy has spent $6 billion in new plants since 2007.

Not only has the company installed new, greener products, it has also got rid of older, less environmentally friendly mechanisms.

Indeed, it has been reported that Duke Energy has got rid of around 6,800 megawatts (MW) of older coal capacity.

In addition, Duke Energy has invested another $7.5 billion for plant upgrades to reduce emissions across its service area.

According to Market Watch, these investments have reduced the regulated fleet's emissions of sulfur dioxide by 74 percent and nitrogen oxides by 57 percent since 2005.

"Cliffside Unit 6 has one of the most stringent air quality permits in the country, and our emissions testing program has demonstrated that these sophisticated controls are performing very well," said Charlie Gates, senior vice president of Power Generation Operations.

"This unit also has the flexibility to burn a wide range of coals with superior emissions removal, which allows us to purchase cost-effective coals and provide additional savings to customers while improving air quality."

According to Mr Gates, the benefits of green energy will be felt by everyone in North Carolina.

"We continue to make great strides in transforming the way we serve customers, while maintaining affordability and reliability," he said.

"Just as the lights in your home have changed, the electricity that powers them also is produced much differently today than just a few years ago. New technology will further advance that mission in the future."