Bench on the shore of a lake overlooking a power plant

In an age where the global community is rallying for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions, initiatives like the Duke Renewable Advantage program can seem like a step in the right direction. This program, introduced by Duke Energy, offers customers an opportunity to contribute to a cleaner energy future by supporting renewable energy sources. But as with any program, the realities behind its promises merit deeper exploration.

A Greener Tomorrow at a Cost

The Duke Renewable Advantage program invites consumers to take action against climate change and reduce their environmental impact by supporting renewable energy plants by buying Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Renewable energy certificates (RECs) are used to track renewable energy from the point of generation to the purchaser of green energy. Each REC represents electricity generated from renewable energy sources (like solar, wind, biomass, or hydro) that displaces electricity on the grid that would otherwise come from traditional sources (like oil and coal).

Through a supplementary fee of $4 added to Duke’s monthly energy bills, customers who enroll in the program have the option to participate in the Renewable Advantage program. This program allows them to purchase blocks of 250 kWh of renewable energy generation upon enrollment. These blocks are claimed to contribute to a cleaner energy mix and claim to offset a reduction of approximately 400 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

One compelling aspect of the program is the promise of local impact. A portion of the fee, fifty cents per $4, is donated to NC GreenPower, a grant program that supports solar installations and clean energy education in North Carolina's K-12 schools. While this may seem like a step in the right direction, some critics question why a company with substantial profits doesn't take on the full financial responsibility for supporting clean energy.

On the surface, this program appears to provide an easy and affordable way for residents and businesses to support the transition to renewable energy. However, the underlying mechanics and implications deserve scrutiny.

The Mechanics Behind the Curtain: Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

The crux of the Renewable Advantage program lies in the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), which then offset fossil-fuel-generated electricity. According to Duke Energy, the Renewable Advantage program is not designed to be a profit-generating venture for the company. Instead, it aims to offer an alternative for customers who want to support renewable energy but cannot implement their own sustainable infrastructure.

While the initiative's intentions seem noble, some individuals question the proportion of funds allocated to various types of renewable energy sources. The program's current funding allocation stands at 10% solar, 45% wind, and 45% biomass, which includes sources like methane capture and burning wood pellets, also known as Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS). The core concept of BECCS revolves around utilizing biomass—plants like trees and crops—as an alternative to fossil fuels for energy generation.

During their growth phase, these plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Once matured, they are burned to produce energy. However, instead of allowing the emitted carbon dioxide to be released into the air, it is captured and stored deep underground. This process aims to prevent harmful emissions from entering the atmosphere, effectively presenting BECCS as a mechanism to generate energy while ideally curbing greenhouse gas emissions. In theory, this approach sounds promising. However, the actual recordings of carbon capture and storage have been less than anticipated, and the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions has not materialized. While biomass energy, including wood pellet production, is categorized as a renewable energy source, its carbon footprint is not necessarily low.

Regional environmental justice and climate action Nonprofit, Dogwood Alliance recently wrote an article about BECCS which states these efforts aim “to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But in reality, burning wood pellets releases more carbon than fossil fuels. Solar and wind power are simpler. They’re also more successful renewable options that can combat climate change.”

The article goes on to say that “another major concern with biomass energy is forests’ long regeneration time. International agreements say that bioenergy is carbon neutral. This is because new trees can grow back. But, it can take many decades or even hundreds of years for forests to fully recover. When we cut down trees for biomass, it stops them from capturing carbon. Logged forests are not as healthy as mature, untouched forests. They don’t fight climate change as well either. Instead of bioenergy, we should use wind and solar power. They’re faster and better at reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.”

Given Duke's Renewable Advantage Program's large prioritization of BECCS and questionable renewable energy over solar, there is widespread concern about whether this program is genuinely optimal for both the well-being of people and the health of the planet.

Duke Energy's Counterargument

In response to such criticism, Duke Energy's Corporate Communications team, represented by Randy Wheeless, contends that the Renewable Advantage program is a means for consumers to enhance their environmental impact even if they cannot implement their own renewable energy systems. Wheeless asserts that customers can offset a significant portion of their electrical bills through this program, ranging from 50% to even 100% if desired.

Additionally, Duke Energy acknowledges the limitations of the current program. They express a desire to improve it in the future by allowing users to support specific types of clean energy in particular locations. This notion might address one of the concerns voiced by critics about the potential lack of direct local impact.

Closing Thoughts

The Duke Renewable Advantage program is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, as it acknowledges the growing urgency of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. However, relying solely on large-scale corporate initiatives might not be the ultimate solution for achieving a sustainable future. It's crucial for individuals to recognize that their choices also play a significant role in shaping the trajectory of environmental progress. Embracing personal initiatives like choosing to go solar or selecting other renewable energy options remains one of the most impactful ways to contribute to the planet's well-being.

By adopting solar panel arrays and battery backup systems, individuals can directly harness the power of the sun, reducing their reliance on traditional fossil fuel-based electricity and lessening the burden on the utility grid. Similarly, opting for wind, hydro, or geothermal energy sources at the individual level can collectively create a substantial shift towards a greener energy mix. These choices not only decrease carbon footprints but also empower individuals to take control of their energy consumption and support the growth of renewable technologies. Furthermore, as more people choose renewable energy solutions independently, they send a clear signal to corporations and governments about the demand for sustainable options, potentially accelerating the transition to cleaner energy on a larger scale.

While corporate initiatives like the Duke Renewable Advantage program are valuable, they should complement rather than replace individual efforts. Collaborative action involving both businesses and individuals is essential for achieving meaningful progress in the fight against climate change. As the global energy landscape evolves, a holistic approach that integrates both top-down and bottom-up strategies will be vital in creating a truly sustainable and resilient future for both the planet and its inhabitants.