In 2018, the Durham’ County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution, calling for a plan to transition operations from fossil fuel-powered operations to 80% clean, renewable energy by 2030 and 100% by 2050. Clean, renewable energy is defined as energy derived from ongoing natural processes that rapidly replenish and is sustainably collected from natural resources such as solar, wind, and geothermal.

This goal aligns with Durham County’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce local air pollution, and stimulate the creation of jobs. Durham County’s bold resolution necessitates ambitious strategies that are outlined in the Renewable Energy Plan (REP) adopted in February 2022. The REP provides a roadmap to enable Durham County to achieve its goal through a combination of strategic policy and program design, focused on developing local renewable energy resources and bolstering local reliability and resilience.  Furthermore, the REP will help Durham County understand and prioritize each renewable energy strategy with a lens on social, economic, and environmental benefits.

Other approaches may be included after being evaluated for sustainability and environmental justice implications. Energy Efficiency will continue to be an important part of our approach by minimizing the amount of energy used overall.

Durham County will be using a number of strategies to reach our goals.  For these strategies to be successful, policies related to buildings, vehicles, and purchasing must be aligned to our renewable energy goals.  Additionally, state and federal policies and funding need to be in line with our goals.  Durham county will continue to engage at the state and federal level to encourage this alignment.