Duke Energy selects two Greater Cincinnati properties for 2024 Site Readiness Program; program has attracted $2 billion in investments, 5,035 new jobs since 2010

CINCINNATI – Duke Energy has selected two properties in the Greater Cincinnati region for inclusion in its 2024 Site Readiness Program, which identifies, evaluates, and improves high-potential business and industrial sites for economic development. Duke Energy also markets these properties nationally to companies seeking to expand or relocate their operations.

Since 2010, Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program has resulted in over $2 billion capital investments and 5,035 new jobs for Ohio and Kentucky, attracting companies to the region, such as Coca-Cola, Carvana, Shape Corp, and Niagara Bottling.

“The Duke Energy Site Readiness Program ensures our communities have the resources and support they need to spur future economic development,” said Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky. “By collaborating with regional partners, we’re helping bring new jobs and capital investments to Ohio and Kentucky.”

In the Greater Cincinnati region, Duke Energy works with consultant Site Selection Group and local engineering firm Bayer Becker. It also partners closely with REDI Cincinnati and BE NKY Growth Partnership, as well as with local community governments and other utilities.

The Ohio and Kentucky sites receiving grants under the 2024 Site Readiness Program include:

• The Former Quarry Site in Harrison, Ohio – This site totals approximately 210 acres and is emerging from reclamation activity. This site has potential for up to 4 ingress/egress locations with 2 directly connecting to I-74 exit 3 and Dry Fork Rd. The entire site is within 1 mile of interchange slated for an overpass expansion to 5 lanes in 2026 (ODOT-OKI). Industrial zoning is over the entire proposed development area with historical industrial use. The site is bounded by roadway, interstate, and industrial uses on 3 sides.
   
  • “We’re grateful to Duke Energy for including the City of Harrison in the 2024 Site Readiness Program, which will have a lasting impact on our local economy and job creation,” said Mayor Ryan Grubbs. “This opportunity will not only enhance the development potential of the former quarry site but also strengthen our collaboration with partners like REDI Cincinnati and JobsOhio, ensuring sustainable growth for our community. We look forward to the economic benefits this program will bring to Harrison and the region.”
     
• 7100 Industrial Road in Florence, Kentucky – This manufacturing building has 329,000 SF with 54,000 SF of contiguous 2 story office space, situated on 28 acres. With easy interstate access to I-75/I-71, nearby to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG) International Airport, and incredible electric utilities, this site has endless opportunities.
   

• “We are thrilled that Florence has been selected as a recipient of Duke Energy’s 2024 Site Readiness Program. This investment not only highlights our city’s strategic importance but also opens the door for significant economic development. The 7100 Industrial Road site is perfectly positioned to attract new business opportunities, bringing jobs and growth to our community. Florence is committed to working alongside Duke Energy and our regional partners to ensure this site reaches its full potential” said Mayor Dr. Julie Metzger Aubuchon.

Once again, Duke Energy has been recognized as a top utility for economic development by Site Selection magazine in 2024. In 2023 alone, Duke Energy’s economic development efforts contributed to over $22 billion of capital investment and over 15,000 jobs across the six states it serves.

Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides electric service to 900,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area, and natural gas service to 550,000 customers in a 2,650-square-mile service area, in Ohio and Kentucky.

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 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 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 27,600 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2023 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list and Forbes’ “World’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.