CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy
(NYSE: DUK) today announced it is working with Accenture (NYSE:
ACN) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) on the development of a new
technology platform designed to measure actual baseline methane
emissions from natural gas distribution systems.
This unique platform will provide near-real-time data
collection, allowing Duke Energy's field response teams to more
rapidly identify and repair methane leaks.
The cloud-hosted platform will track and prioritize data
associated with leaks using advanced detection methods such as
satellites, fixed-wing aircraft and ground-level sensing
technology. The new sensor technology can detect trace levels of
methane emissions that current technology may not identify. The new
platform will augment the company's drive toward net-zero methane
emissions in its natural gas business by 2030.
As a part of this effort, the companies will execute monthly
satellite captures in Greenville,
S.C., beginning in August to further refine the technology
for identifying methane leaks on Duke Energy's pipeline system.
Duke Energy anticipates implementing its methane-monitoring
platform by October 2021.
Duke Energy began testing satellites for detecting leaks on its
natural gas system in 2020. The company found satellite detection
has the potential to be more accurate and an expedient way to
locate leaks when compared to traditional leak survey methods such
as aerial and foot patrols.
"This platform will re-imagine how natural gas local
distribution companies calculate methane emissions and perform leak
surveys and improve the expediency in which leaks may be repaired,
resulting in dramatically lower methane emissions," said
Brian Weisker, senior vice president
and chief operations officer, natural gas at Duke Energy. "The
current industry standard uses calculated data to report methane
emissions, which leaves room for inaccuracies when it comes to
actual methane levels."
To help design the Microsoft Azure-based platform to handle a
high volume of data from a variety of sources, Accenture – in
collaboration with Avanade, its joint venture with Microsoft – will
apply its experience in analytics, artificial intelligence and
cloud computing. These technologies will help drive the insights
from the platform for improving operations and delivering on the
methane emissions goal.
"Our work with Duke Energy and Microsoft demonstrates how
technology, innovation and artificial intelligence can help address
sustainability challenges," said Mark
Schuler, a managing director in Accenture's utilities
practice. "Together, we can show others how to achieve their
sustainability goals and make it an integral part of delivering
value for all stakeholders, and not as one-off practices."
"We are looking forward to contributing to this collaboration
with Duke Energy, Accenture and Avanade in supporting Duke Energy's
progress to net-zero methane by 2030," said Darryl Willis, Microsoft corporate vice
president of energy and sustainability. "This is a great example of
innovation and collaboration coming together to enable industries
to more accurately detect, calculate and report on emissions and
take action."
Methane makes up nearly 10% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
every year, according to recent estimates from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, with the energy sector being one
of the largest sources of U.S. methane emissions.
To learn more about Duke Energy's climate goals, visit
duke-energy.com/our-company/sustainability.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in
Charlotte, N.C., is one of
America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities
serve 7.9 million customers in North
Carolina, South Carolina,
Florida, Indiana, Ohio
and Kentucky, and collectively own
51,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves
1.6 million customers in North
Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,500
people.
Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy strategy to
create a smarter energy future for its customers and communities –
with goals of at least a 50 percent carbon reduction by 2030 and
net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company is a top U.S.
renewable energy provider, on track to own or purchase 16,000
megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2025. The company also is
investing in major electric grid upgrades and expanded battery
storage, and exploring zero-emitting power generation technologies
such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2021 "World's Most Admired
Companies" list and Forbes' "America's Best Employers" list. More
information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke
Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos
and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories
about people, innovations, community topics and environmental
issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and
Facebook.
Accenture
Accenture is a global professional services company with leading
capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched
experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries,
we offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and
Operations services – all powered by the world's largest
network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers.
Our 569,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human
ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We
embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for
our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities. Visit
us at www.accenture.com.
Duke Energy media contact: Valerie
Patterson
800.559.3853
Accenture media contact: Guy
Cantwell
281.900.9089
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SOURCE Duke Energy