Duke Energy launches Sustainable Financing Framework to fund clean energy transition

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK ) is launching a new framework that will help attract billions of dollars of investments in eligible green and social projects to drive the company's clean energy transition – the most ambitious in the industry.

Duke Energy's new Sustainable Financing Framework defines the investment areas aligned to the company's clean energy strategy, further enabling it to issue green and sustainability bonds, loans, or other financing instruments.

"We're committed to a clean energy future for our customers and communities," said Lynn Good, Duke Energy's chair, president, and chief executive officer. "Our long-term investment strategy is part of the solution and will provide sustainable environmental, social and customer benefits as we work to achieve our net-zero goals."

Since 2018, Duke Energy has issued $2.3 billion in green bonds. The Framework strengthens the company's commitment to sustainable financing and broadens the scope of eligible investments to align with the company's environmental, social responsibility, and governance (ESG) priorities.  

Eligible projects include renewable energy, energy efficiency, advanced grid technology, and expanded opportunities for diverse suppliers and small businesses. 

Duke Energy engaged S&P Global to provide a second party opinion regarding the alignment of the Framework to the 2021 Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, and Sustainability Bond Guidelines, as administered by the International Capital Market Association.

Shaping a sustainable energy future

Eligible projects will deliver long-term, sustainable value for shareholders, customers, and other stakeholders.

Duke Energy is leading the largest, most ambitious clean energy transition in North America, in collaboration with stakeholders across all of its service territories. The company has set enterprise-wide emission reduction goals – to reduce carbon emissions from electricity generation by at least 50% and to achieve net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas distribution businesses by 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

Duke Energy is focused on achieving these goals in a way that also supports our communities and society at large. This includes maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce, investing in diverse suppliers, bringing jobs and investments into the communities it serves and ensuring the transition to cleaner energy happens in a way that is safe and equitable for everyone involved. Read more about Duke Energy's ESG priorities.