Duke Energy Florida announced the launch of the DeBary Hydrogen Production Storage System in Volusia County, Florida, on January 7 2026. The facility is the first demonstration project in the United States that can produce, store, and combust 100 % green hydrogen, marking a significant milestone in the company’s clean‑energy strategy.
The DeBary system builds on the existing DeBary solar site, using photovoltaic power to run electrolyzers that split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is stored in reinforced containers and later fed into a GE Vernova‑upgraded combustion turbine, allowing the plant to generate electricity when solar output is low or demand peaks. This integrated approach demonstrates how green hydrogen can be used as a flexible, dispatchable fuel for power generation and industrial applications.
The project aligns with Duke Energy’s “all‑of‑the‑above” strategy, which blends natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and emerging technologies to meet reliability, affordability, and decarbonization goals. By adding a green hydrogen capability, the company is positioning itself to capture future demand for clean fuels and to enhance grid reliability through storage and flexible generation.
Management highlighted the strategic importance of the project. Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida’s state president, said the DeBary hydrogen system “demonstrates our commitment to strategic infrastructure investments that continue to provide value to our customers while meeting rising energy demand.” Reggie Anderson, vice president of regulated and renewable energy, added that the system “allows for safe, reliable generation and storage of clean energy, and we are proud of this innovation and the lasting impact it will have on the industry, our company, and our customers.”
The DeBary launch is a key step toward Duke Energy’s net‑zero carbon emissions target by 2050. The project also showcases the company’s ability to integrate intermittent renewable sources, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and create new revenue streams from clean fuel generation. While the fact‑check report notes that the project’s cost and detailed economic impact were not disclosed, the demonstration of end‑to‑end green hydrogen capability signals a significant expansion of Duke Energy’s clean‑energy portfolio and a tangible move toward a more sustainable future.
The DeBary project was expected to be operational by 2024, with construction beginning in late 2023. Its successful launch demonstrates that the company can bring complex green hydrogen projects to fruition on schedule, reinforcing confidence in its execution capabilities and its broader decarbonization roadmap.
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