Duke Energy's 2025 Site Readiness Program and Its Impact on Regional Industrial Development

Duke Energy's 2025 Site Readiness Program represents a pivotal strategy for unlocking industrial growth in energy-dependent regions of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. By prioritizing infrastructure readiness, the program not only accelerates near-term business investments but also lays the groundwork for long-term asset appreciation. For stakeholders in real estate, manufacturing, and clean energy, the initiative offers a unique window to capitalize on regional economic momentum.

Infrastructure Readiness: The Catalyst for Industrial Investment

The program's 2025 focus on three high-potential properties—Frick Family Farms in Monroe, Ohio (Butler County), Union Ren Farms in Middletown, Ohio (Warren County), and the Commonwealth Commerce Center in Northern Kentucky (Pendleton County)—highlights Duke Energy's commitment to addressing critical infrastructure gaps. These sites are undergoing upgrades in utilities, transportation, and digital connectivity, ensuring they meet the demands of modern industrial operationsDuke Energy helps communities across Ohio and Kentucky prepare sites to bring local investment and jobs^[1]. Collaborations with firms like Site Selection Group and Bayer Becker further enhance site competitiveness by aligning infrastructure with the needs of prospective businessesDuke Energy's 2025 Site Readiness Program Boosts Economic Growth^[2].

Clean energy integration is another cornerstone of the program. Duke Energy's broader net-zero emissions goal by 2050Economic Development - Duke Energy^[3] is reflected in grid modernization efforts at these sites, including investments in renewable energy generation and energy-efficient systems. This alignment with sustainability trends positions the selected properties as attractive hubs for companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprints while maintaining operational efficiency.

Economic Impact: Jobs, Capital, and Regional Growth

Since its inception in 2010, the Site Readiness Program has demonstrated its efficacy in driving economic outcomes. Across 42 evaluated sites in Ohio and Kentucky, the initiative has catalyzed over $2 billion in capital investment and created 5,400 jobsDuke Energy helps communities across Ohio and Kentucky^[4]. In 2024 alone, Duke Energy facilitated $548 million in new capital investment and over 1,000 jobsDuke Energy helps communities across Ohio and Kentucky prepare sites to bring local investment and jobs^[5], underscoring the program's accelerating impact.

The 2025 properties are expected to follow this trajectory. For instance, Frick Family Farms and Commonwealth Commerce Center have already attracted pre-commitments from companies like Coca-Cola and Niagara BottlingDuke Energy and BE NKY boost site development in Northern Kentucky^[6], signaling confidence in the region's industrial potential. These developments are projected to generate additional tax revenue for local governments while creating a ripple effect of ancillary jobs in logistics, construction, and services.

Investment Opportunities: Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Clean Energy

For real estate stakeholders, the program's infrastructure upgrades directly enhance land and commercial property values. Proximity to upgraded utilities and transportation networks makes these sites prime candidates for speculative development, particularly in logistics and warehousing sectors. Investors who secure early access to these properties can benefit from appreciation as demand for industrial space grows.

Manufacturers stand to gain from the program's focus on attracting large-scale operations. The readiness of sites like Union Ren Farms—strategically located near major highways and rail networks—enables companies to scale production with minimal upfront infrastructure costs. This reduces barriers to entry for firms in sectors such as food processing, automotive, and advanced manufacturingDuke Energy helps communities across Ohio and Kentucky^[7].

Clean energy stakeholders, meanwhile, have opportunities to partner with Duke Energy on grid upgrades and renewable energy projects. The integration of solar farms, battery storage, and smart grid technologies at the selected sites aligns with national decarbonization goals and offers long-term revenue streams through energy-as-a-service modelsEconomic Development - Duke Energy^[8].

Strategic Value of Early Engagement

The program's phased approach to site readiness—typically spanning 12–18 months—creates a critical window for investors to secure positions in high-growth corridors. Early engagement with Duke Energy and local economic development partners (e.g., REDI Cincinnati, BE NKY Growth Partnership) allows stakeholders to influence site-specific improvements and align their investments with regional prioritiesDuke Energy's 2025 Site Readiness Program Boosts Economic …^[9].

For example, companies that pre-locate to Frick Family Farms or Commonwealth Commerce Center can leverage tax incentives and streamlined permitting processes, gaining a competitive edge in market entry. Similarly, real estate developers who collaborate with Duke Energy on pre-development planning can optimize site layouts to maximize utility efficiency and tenant appeal.

Conclusion

Duke Energy's 2025 Site Readiness Program exemplifies how infrastructure readiness can transform underutilized assets into engines of industrial growth. By addressing the dual imperatives of economic development and sustainability, the initiative creates a compelling value proposition for investors. As the selected sites move toward readiness in the coming months, stakeholders who act swiftly will be well-positioned to capitalize on the region's next wave of industrial expansion.