Southern Company sets net-zero GHG emissions goal by 2050

The Southern Company has set a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, the company announced at its annual meeting of stockholders.

This new goal replaces the low- to no-carbon goal the company established in April of 2018. Further, the energy company has reaffirmed its goal of a 50 percent reduction of GHG emissions by 2030. These are enterprise-wide goals across all electric and gas operations.

Through 2019, the company has already reduced carbon emissions by 44 percent from 2007, so it is well on its way.

“I continue to be confident that we are prepared and well-positioned to meet the needs of our customers, employees, communities, and investors well into the future and will succeed in the transition to a net-zero carbon future,” Tom Fanning, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company, said. “As always, we are committed to providing clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to the customers we are privileged to serve.”

To achieve the net-zero goal, the company will continue its commitment to energy efficiency and take steps to reduce GHG emissions further. Part of this will be achieved by incorporating negative carbon solutions, including technology-based approaches such as direct air capture of carbon as well as natural methods like afforestation. As it transitions its energy fleet, the company will ensure that energy remains reliable and affordable.