Duke Energy Joins Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster as Founding Member
Duke Energy has joined the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC) as a founding board member, committing $25,000 a year for a three-year period to the organization.
Lee Mazzocchi, senior vice president and chief integration and innovation officer, will represent Duke Energy on the RTCC board.
“In the 21st century, we must be more than a traditional electric utility,” said Mazzocchi. “Emerging technologies and innovation are critical to serving our customers and helping them save on their energy costs today and in the future. We believe the Cleantech Cluster plays an important role in keeping the Triangle region and Eastern North Carolina competitive in the global marketplace.”
The RTCC brings together industry, government and academia to market and grow the region’s potential in smart grid, advanced transportation, water technologies, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
More than 623 companies, a critical mass of researchers and a range of support organizations are accelerating economic and technological growth in these industries.
“We are assembling an impressive group of industry leaders to direct this new organization. Duke Energy’s support is crucial to the RTCC’s ability to accomplish the important work being done to accelerate the growth and prosperity of the Research Triangle Region’s thriving Cleantech economy,” said Lee Anne Nance, Research Triangle Regional Partnership’s senior vice president.
The RTCC will work to position the Research Triangle region as a top location in the world for Cleantech. Duke Energy joins ABB, Schneider, Siemens and Power Analytics in leading the organization.