Xcel Energy recognised for reducing carbon emissions

Xcel Energy’s leadership in reducing carbon dioxide emissions received national recognition from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 9 March 2016. The EPA, along with The Climate Registry and the Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions, honoured Xcel Energy with a 2016 Climate Leadership Award for its commitment to clean energy and excellence in greenhouse gas management.

“We are honoured to be recognised for our leadership in implementing clean energy solutions and for the significant emission reductions we are achieving across our system,” said Ben Fowke, Chairman, President and CEO of Xcel Energy. “Xcel Energy continues to improve the way we produce and deliver energy to secure a more sustainable energy future for our customers and our communities.”

Xcel Energy achieved a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 - 2014 by implementing a strategy that increased the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency programmes while retiring and repowering coal-fuelled generating plants with natural gas. The company is now on track to reach a 30% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2020. Xcel Energy third party verifies and registers all of its greenhouse gas emissions data with The Climate Registry.

“I am proud to distinguish Xcel Energy for its outstanding actions and dedication to reduce harmful carbon pollution that leads to climate change,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “Xcel Energy is leading the way towards a healthy environment, and demonstrates that meeting challenges of a changing climate can be done.”

The annual Climate Leadership Awards recognise exemplary leadership in response to climate change and for excellence in greenhouse gas management, organisations are honoured for their efforts to set and achieve aggressive emission reduction goals.

The EPA also recognised Xcel Energy’s first in the nation partnership with the city of Minneapolis and CenterPoint Energy. The group received an Innovative Partnerships certificate for working together on leading edge climate initiatives.

Adapted from press release by Francesca Brindle

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/the-environment/10032016/xcel-energy-awarded-climate-leadership-award-for-carbon-emissons-reduction-2729/