Reducing Emissions and Embracing Clean Energy Solutions
As national attention focuses on climate action and clean energy innovation, Xcel Energy continues its commitment to sustainability. The company has made significant strides, including reducing carbon emissions by 54% since 2005 and powering more than 50% of its energy mix with carbon-free sources. Xcel Energy aims to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity across its service areas by 2050.
Celebrating Sustainability Milestones
During major environmental events like Climate Week NYC (Sept. 22-29) and Clean Energy Week (Sept. 23-27), Xcel Energy highlights its leadership in advancing clean energy technologies. Currently, Xcel’s energy mix is 50% carbon-free, outpacing the national average of 41%. The company is also preparing for Drive Electric Week (Sept. 27 – Oct. 6) with a focus on fueling electric vehicles (EVs) using energy that produces 65% fewer carbon emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles.
A Comprehensive Approach to Net-Zero by 2050
Xcel Energy is dedicated to becoming a net-zero energy provider by 2050 while maintaining affordable and reliable service for its customers. The company’s sustainability achievements include reducing carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 46.3 million short tons since 2005 — equivalent to taking 11 million gas-powered vehicles off the road for a year. Additionally, Xcel Energy has made substantial progress in cutting sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions from power plants by 83% and 85%, respectively.
Leading the Transition to Renewable Energy
Xcel Energy’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in its 2023 energy mix, with 40% of its power coming from wind and solar, and another 10% from carbon-free nuclear energy. The company is on track to fully exit coal generation by 2030, closing 23 coal-fired units since 2005. Xcel is also investing in innovative clean energy technologies, such as lithium-ion ferro phosphate batteries and long-duration iron-air batteries, which provide cleaner, more reliable energy solutions.
Driving Electric Vehicle Adoption
Xcel Energy envisions zero-carbon transportation by 2050, supporting the transition to electric vehicles with infrastructure, education, and incentives. In 2023, over 143,000 EVs were on the road in Xcel’s service area, marking a 50% increase from 2022. The company’s EV programs make adoption easier by offering rebates and incentives, while its own fleet of nearly 300 EVs has driven over 1.3 million miles. As Xcel’s energy mix becomes even cleaner, the company expects EV emissions to be 80% lower than gasoline-powered vehicles by 2030.
Source: businesswire.com
