Xcel Energy reports on emissions reduction progress

Xcel Energy unveiled Wednesday its annual Corporate Responsibility Report, which shows that the company reduced carbon emissions 38 percent from 2005 levels.

Xcel is aiming to cut carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2030 and deliver 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050.

“Our customers and communities are at the center of all we do, especially our industry-leading plans to deliver carbon-free electricity by 2050,” Ben Fowke, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy, said. “We’re realizing significant progress in the clean energy transition and empowering those who want to save energy and purchase 100 percent renewable electricity. All of our customers benefit from our strategies that both dramatically reduce carbon emissions and lower energy bills.”

Xcel Energy has proposed ending all coal use in the Upper Midwest by 2030, using renewable sources to power more than half its grid in Colorado by 2026 and significantly expanding the use of wind energy in Texas and New Mexico. The company is aiming to maintain nuclear generation and encourage customer energy efficiency and participation in voluntary renewable choice programs.

Renewable energy sources provided 25 percent of the company’s electricity in 2018.

The company expects to reach its 2030 goal using existing technologies and is advocating for research and development of 24/7 carbon-free technologies required to achieve its Destination 2050 goals.