ATLANTA, April 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2020, the
Southern Company system reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 52%
from its 2007 benchmark levels, exceeding its 2030 goal to reduce
GHG emissions by 50%. The intermediate 2030 goal is part of the
system's target to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050.
While emissions reductions may fluctuate around 50 percent the
next few years depending on demand, weather and other factors, the
system expects to sustainably achieve 50% reduction or greater by
2025, if not sooner.
"We have made significant progress in reducing the emissions
profile of our system's electric generation fleet," said
Tom Fanning, chairman, president and
chief executive officer of Southern Company. "We will continue
working toward a net zero GHG future while meeting the needs of our
customers, employees, communities and investors."
Southern Company's reduced GHG emissions are indicative of the
accelerating pace of decarbonization across the system. In 2018,
GHG emissions were 35% below 2007 levels and further improved to a
44% reduction in 2019. The 52% reduction in 2020 reflects lower
utilization of the system's coal generating fleet partially
influenced by lower demand due to mild weather and the COVID-19
pandemic. For 2020, coal decreased to 17% of the system's annual
energy supply, while renewables grew to 15%. This compares to 69%
coal and 1% renewables in 2007. When aggregating both renewables
and nuclear, nearly one-third of the system's energy supply came
from zero carbon resources in 2020.
"This is about more than decarbonization. We have committed to
both our intermediate and net zero GHG goals without any state of
federal mandates. We pursue these goals because they are good for
the customers and the communities we are privileged to serve,"
Fanning said.
Southern Company's approach to net zero is driven by thoughtful
scenario and long-term planning as well as constructive regulatory
decision-making. Looking ahead, Southern Company will continue to
use a portfolio approach as the system decarbonizes. Those elements
are expected to include continued coal transition, utilization of
natural gas to enable fleet transition, further growth in the
system's portfolio of zero-carbon resources, negative carbon
solutions, enhanced energy efficiency initiatives and continued
investment in R&D focused on clean energy technologies.
About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is
a leading energy company serving 9 million customers through its
subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and
affordable energy through electric operating companies in three
states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a
competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across
America, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company, a
fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Southern
Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high
reliability and affordable prices below the national average. For
more than a century, we have been building the future of energy and
developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including
carbon-free nuclear, advanced carbon capture technologies, natural
gas, renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. Through
an industry-leading commitment to innovation and a low-carbon
future, Southern Company and its subsidiaries develop the
customized energy solutions our customers and communities require
to drive growth and prosperity. Our uncompromising values ensure we
put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do
and govern our business to the benefit of our world. Our corporate
culture and hiring practices have been recognized nationally by the
U.S. Department of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine, DiversityInc, Black
Enterprise, Forbes and the Women's Choice Award. To learn more,
visit www.southerncompany.com.
A note about renewable generation
With respect to
certain renewable generation and associated renewable energy
credits (RECs), to the extent an affiliate of Southern has the
right to the RECs associated with renewable energy it generates or
purchases, it retains the right to sell the energy and RECs, either
bundled or separately, to retail customers and third parties.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements
Certain information contained in this release is
forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans
that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information
includes, among other things, statements concerning future
emissions reduction goals. Southern Company cautions that there are
certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially
from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The
reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this
forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future
performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other
factors, many of which are outside the control of Southern Company;
accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results
will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those
discussed in Southern Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2020 and subsequent securities
filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from
management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking
information: the impact of recent and future federal and state
regulatory changes, as well as changes in application of existing
laws and regulations; available sources and costs of natural gas
and other fuels; the ability to control costs and avoid cost and
schedule overruns during the development, construction, and
operation of facilities or other projects; the ability to construct
facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and
licenses, to satisfy any environmental performance standards and
the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to
integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon
completion of construction; advances in technology, including the
pace and extent of development of low- to no-carbon energy
technologies and negative carbon concepts; performance of
counterparties under ongoing renewable energy partnerships and
development agreements; state and federal rate regulations and the
impact of pending and future rate cases and negotiations; and the
ability to successfully operate the electric utilities' generating,
transmission, and distribution facilities and Southern Company Gas'
natural gas distribution and storage facilities and the successful
performance of necessary corporate functions. Southern Company and
its subsidiaries expressly disclaim any obligation to update any
forward–looking information.
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SOURCE Southern Company