Duke Energy aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
Duke Energy announced Tuesday an updated climate strategy which includes a new goal of net-zero carbon emissions from electric generation by 2050.
The updated strategy also includes an accelerated near-term goal of cutting carbon dioxide in half or more from 2005 levels by 2030. The company’s previous goal was to reduce emissions by 40 percent by 2030.
Duke Energy noted that it has reduced carbon emissions by 31 percent since 2005.
“We are making a cleaner energy future a reality for our customers and communities,” Lynn Good, chairman, president and CEO of Duke Energy, said. “A diverse mix of renewables, nuclear, natural gas, hydro, and energy efficiency are all part of this vision, and we’ll take advantage of economical solutions to continue that progress. In the longer-term, innovation and new technologies will be critical to a net-zero carbon future.”
Duke Energy outlined a path to net-zero carbon emissions, which included collaborating with states and stakeholders, accelerating the transition to clean energy, continuing to operate existing carbon-free technologies, modernizing the electric grid and advocating for public policy that advances technology and innovation.
“The Clean Air Task Force congratulates Duke Energy for its significant leadership as the nation’s largest electric company in making a science-based commitment to eliminating its net carbon emissions by midcentury,” Armond Cohen, executive director of the Clean Air Task Force, said. “With Duke’s announcement, electricity providers representing more than 30% of U.S. electric sales are now committed by pledge or law to fully phasing out climate-warming emissions. We look forward to working with Duke to advance the technology and policies needed to make this transition swift and affordable.”
