The Energy and Infrastructure Office (EIO) at the North Carolina Department of Commerce helps the state capture future economic opportunities by ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and diverse energy sources. EIO guides communities, businesses, and policymakers through the energy transition while maximizing economic benefits from an “all-of-the-above” strategy. The office collaborates with local governments, utilities, industry leaders, and workforce experts to promote job creation in the evolving energy economy and position North Carolina’s industries for long-term competitive advantage.
What's new at EIO?
North Carolina is at the intersection of three major economic trends impacting the electric power sector: Booming demand for computing power from data centers, the reshoring of manufacturing, and population growth, with North Carolina growing third-fastest of any state since 2020. Access to affordable, reliable, and diverse energy sources will determine whether and how North Carolina captures future economic opportunities as the U.S. races to build more resilient domestic supply chains and maintain its competitive edge in AI.
This white paper and those that follow, will explore energy’s foundational role in North Carolina’s economy and how a more diverse, local, and resilient energy system supports the state’s continued competitive advantage in manufacturing and workforce while maintaining energy affordability and protecting our economy against unexpected shocks.
White Papers
Part One: How an “All-of-the-Above” Energy Strategy is Essential to the State’s Continued Economic Growth
Because of electric power’s critical role in economic growth, the NC Department of Commerce’s Energy & Infrastructure Office (EIO) is releasing a series of white papers examining North Carolina’s energy sector and its relationship to the security and future prosperity of the state’s economy.
Additional Information
We are currently seeking input from energy project developers and other interested stakeholders on the potential for North Carolina to create what's known as a State Energy Financing Institution, or SEFI.
Read more about our Request for Information and how you can participate.
There are many opportunities for your business to take advantage of the emerging energy economy and our team is available to assist you.
If you are managing an active economic development project related to any energy sub-sector, contact our colleagues at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina for assistance.
The State of North Carolina and the Department of Commerce has conducted several in-depth studies relevant to the clean energy economy and has published assessments and reports about various aspects of the state's opportunity to serve and benefit from the industry as it grows in the United States. The state has also entered into agreements related to offshore wind energy with the U.K. and Danish governments, and the states of Maryland and Virginia.
Reports and Materials
- Building North Carolina's Offshore Wind Supply Chain • BVG Associates, under commission from N.C. Commerce, March 2021
When published, this report's authors discussed their recommendations in a presentation and webinar, which are still available:
» Presentation slides » Webinar recording Enter password !NCosw3/30
- 2022-2023 Annual Report | Governor's Taskforce for Offshore Wind (NCTowers) • August, 2023
- Economic Impact Analysis for a N.C. Offshore Wind Project • N.C. Commerce, April 2021
- Clean Energy and Clean Transportation in North Carolina; A Workforce Assessment • N.C. Commerce, October 2019
- North Carolina Offshore Wind Development Facts and Fundamental Values • N.C. Commerce, May 2022
- Go With the Wind (Economic Development Brochure) • EDPNC, July 2021
Agreements
- Memorandum of Understanding | North Carolina and the United Kingdom • July 2022
- Memorandum of Understanding | North Carolina and Denmark • March 2023
- Memorandum of Understanding | North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia (SMART-POWER) • October 2020
Relevant Legislation
Relevant Executive Orders
| Executive Order | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EO80 | North Carolina's Commitment to Address Climate Change and Transition to a Clean Energy Economy |
|
| EO218 | Advancing North Carolina's Economic and Clean Energy Future with Offshore Wind |
|
| EO246 | North Carolina's Transformation to a Clean, Equitable Economy |
|
Jennifer Mundt |
Frank Muraca Prior to joining Commerce, Frank was Assistant Director for Data & Analytics at the Development Finance Initiative (DFI) based in UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Government. In that role, he helped local governments across North Carolina collect, synthesize, and interpret data and analysis for decision-making related to public-private partnerships for real estate development. In addition to this work, Frank taught local government staff and elected officials how to use public data to better understand local housing markets and affordable housing needs. Frank received his master’s in City & Planning from UNC-Chapel Hill and his bachelor’s in Economics from George Mason University. He continues to teach a graduate-level course in data visualization and communication at the University’s Department of City & Regional Planning. |
This page was last modified on 08/28/2025