Zachry Group Awarded EPC Contract for Duke Energy’s First Person County Combined Cycle Project
Zachry Group, a leading provider of engineering, procurement, and construction services for the power industry, announced today that it has been awarded the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for Duke Energy’s first Person County Combined Cycle Project. The award follows a rigorous competitive selection process and underscores Zachry Group’s long-standing reputation for delivering complex, large-scale energy projects with precision and reliability.
The Person County Combined Cycle Project will be a state-of-the-art 1,360-megawatt (MW) two-on-one (2×1) combined cycle power plant, strategically located at the site of Duke Energy’s existing Roxboro plant in Person County, North Carolina. This facility represents one of the most significant new energy infrastructure investments in the region in recent years and will play a pivotal role in meeting the increasing electricity demand in the Carolinas while supporting Duke Energy’s broader modernization and sustainability goals.
A Modern Approach to Power Generation
The new facility will feature a 2×1 combined cycle configuration, in which two combustion turbines work in conjunction with one steam turbine to maximize energy efficiency and minimize emissions. This design allows for the capture and reuse of heat that would otherwise be wasted, significantly boosting the overall output of the plant without additional fuel consumption.
By adopting this advanced configuration, the plant will operate with greater fuel efficiency and improved reliability, making it a key contributor to Duke Energy’s commitment to delivering affordable and dependable energy to customers. The project also supports the company’s focus on modernizing its generation fleet, phasing out less efficient units, and reducing its overall carbon footprint.
“This is not just a new plant—it’s a major step in building the energy future for North Carolina and the broader Carolinas region,” a Duke Energy spokesperson said. “The Person County facility will help us maintain grid reliability, especially during periods of high demand, while moving us closer to a cleaner energy mix.”
Scope of Zachry Group’s Work
Under the EPC contract, Zachry Group will provide comprehensive, integrated services that cover every stage of the project, including:
- Engineering – Detailed design and integration of the combined cycle systems, auxiliary equipment, and site layout to ensure optimal performance.
- Procurement – Sourcing of all major equipment and materials from trusted suppliers, ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and environmental standards.
- Construction – Full-scale site preparation, civil works, mechanical and electrical installation, and systems integration.
- Commissioning and Start-up – Rigorous testing and operational readiness checks before the facility is turned over to Duke Energy for commercial service.
By employing its integrated EPC delivery model, Zachry Group ensures that the engineering, procurement, and construction processes remain closely coordinated. This approach minimizes delays, reduces costs, and delivers a higher-quality end product.
Ralph Biediger, EPC Group President at Zachry Group, expressed pride in the company’s continued partnership with Duke Energy.
“We are honored to continue our long-standing relationship with Duke Energy and to contribute to the development of efficient energy infrastructure in North Carolina. This project will provide affordable and reliable power to customers across the Carolinas, and we look forward to working closely with the community throughout its development.”
Economic Impact and Local Hiring
The Person County Combined Cycle Project will not only enhance the regional energy grid but also generate significant economic benefits for the local community.
Zachry Group has announced plans to host several local job fairs in Person County to recruit skilled workers, laborers, and support staff for the project. Roles will span a wide range of specialties, including engineering, construction trades, safety, quality assurance, and project management.
Local sourcing of materials and services is also expected to provide a boost to area suppliers, contractors, and small businesses. During peak construction, the project is expected to create hundreds of jobs, with additional long-term operational positions once the plant is online.
Construction Timeline
Site clearing activities have already begun at the Roxboro plant location, marking the first visible signs of progress on the project. Full-scale construction is anticipated to begin later this fall. Over the next three years, the site will undergo a transformation from preliminary grading and foundation work to the installation of major components such as gas turbines, heat recovery steam generators, and the steam turbine generator.
The project is targeting commercial operation in 2028, aligning with Duke Energy’s forward-looking generation strategy and its commitment to ensuring reliable power supply during the ongoing energy transition.
Supporting Duke Energy’s Energy Transition Goals
Duke Energy has been actively pursuing a balanced and diversified energy portfolio to meet growing demand while supporting the shift toward cleaner energy. While renewable resources like solar and wind are expanding rapidly, natural gas remains an essential component in the transition period due to its ability to provide dispatchable, on-demand power that can stabilize the grid when intermittent renewable generation fluctuates.
The Person County Combined Cycle Plant will help replace aging, less efficient coal-fired capacity at the Roxboro site while providing the flexibility needed to integrate more renewables into Duke Energy’s grid over time. Its high efficiency and lower emissions profile make it a bridge technology that supports both near-term reliability and long-term decarbonization goals.
Zachry Group’s Track Record
Zachry Group has decades of experience delivering large-scale, complex power generation projects across the United States. Known for its safety-first culture, technical expertise, and collaborative approach, the company has completed multiple combined cycle and natural gas projects for utilities, independent power producers, and industrial clients.
The EPC award for the Person County project is the latest chapter in Zachry Group’s ongoing collaboration with Duke Energy, which spans several previous projects and reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement.
Community and Environmental Considerations
Both Duke Energy and Zachry Group have emphasized that environmental stewardship will be a priority throughout the project. This includes measures to control construction impacts such as dust, noise, and stormwater runoff, as well as compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
The plant’s advanced combined cycle technology is expected to result in significantly lower emissions per unit of electricity generated compared to traditional coal-fired generation. This includes reductions in carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide—contributing to improved air quality in the region.
In addition, the project will be designed with future adaptability in mind, allowing for potential integration with low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen as those technologies mature.
