(CHARLOTTE) -- Piedmont Natural Gas has completed gas pipeline infrastructure to a large new state-of-the-art natural gas-fueled power generation facility. The Progress Energy plant is located near Goldsboro in Wayne County.

The pipeline project involved the construction of 38 miles of 20-inch natural gas transmission pipelines and additional compression facilities. Natural gas will be used at Progress Energy's new facility to replace three coal-fired units.

"This is an important milestone in realizing our fleet-modernization strategy," said Lloyd M. Yates, president and CEO of Progress Energy Carolinas. "Increasing the fuel supply is a vital piece of the puzzle as we work to reduce environmental impacts from our operations while preserving the reliable service our customers depend on. Expanding natural gas supply further into Eastern North Carolina will also serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the region."