Duke Energy, the third largest power utility in the US, yesterday signed an agreement with privately-owned ENN Group of China to accelerate the development of low-carbon and clean energy technologies.

The agreement includes potential development of commercial solar projects, such as solar power plants and solar component manufacturing facilities, Duke said in a statement.

The agreement also encompasses joint technology development in coal-based clean energy, biofuels, natural gas, smart grid, energy efficiency and carbon-capturing algae.