The request for proposals (RFP) is open to new or existing wind farms generating between 100MW and 500MW, the company said.
Bidders can offer three options, Duke said: purchased power proposals lasting between five and 20 years; build, own and transfer proposals in which Duke Energy takes ownership of the new facility; or purchase existing facilities.
Duke Energy has 20 wind projects across the US — none of which is in the Carolinas — and more than 60 operational solar facilities, totalling over 3GW.
Rob Caldwell, president of the company's renewables and distributed energy technology department, said: "As costs in the wind sector decline and capacity factors increase, now is an excellent time to pursue wind energy for the Carolinas."
In 2007, North Carolina lawmakers passed the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS). The standard mandated energy companies generate 12.5% of their sales by renewables or by energy efficiency programmes from 2021.
Duke Energy Carolinas believes results from the RFP could help the company meet its REPS requirements, the company said.
Last month, the state's General Assembly passed a House Bill reforming the state's approach to integrated renewable electricity generation. It included an easing of an 18-month ban on issuing permits for onshore wind power projects.
After signing the bill, Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order to promote wind energy development.
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