Xcel Energy plans to be carbon-free by 2050

• 5 years ago (2018-12-05)
• David Flin

North America 1021 Wind 257

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The American-based Xcel Energy has announced that it plans to move to 100 per cent carbon-free power generation by 2050. It also said that by 2030, it will reduce carbon emissions by 80 per cent from 2005 levels.

Ben Fowke, Chairman, President, and CEO of Xcel Energy, said: “This is an extraordinary time to work in the energy industry, as we’re providing customers with more low-cost energy than we could have imagined a decade ago. We are accelerating our carbon reduction goals because we are encouraged by advances in technology, motivated by customers who are asking for it, and committed to working with partners to make it happen.”

The utility said that while it can hit its new 2030 goal, “achieving the long-term vision of zero-carbon electricity requires technologies that are not cost-effective or commercially available today. That is why Xcel Energy is committed to ongoing work to develop advanced technologies while putting the necessary policies in place to achieve this transition.”

Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association, said: “Rapid advances in wind farm technology have cut costs and increased output to the point where zero-carbon wind power is now both cleaner and cheaper than traditional sources. Xcel Energy’s outstanding leadership in large-scale wind power investments will help ensure these ambitious carbon cutting goals can be met while keeping electricity service affordable and reliable for customers.”