Energy provider Southern Company announced today the achievement of one of its key sustainability goals, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2030, ten years ahead of schedule.

Southern Company’s GHG emissions in 2020 were 52% lower than in its 2007 baseline year. While the company acknowledged that emissions reductions could fluctuate by 50% over the next few years, it expects to sustainably achieve or surpass its 50% reduction by 2025.

According to the company, the GHG reductions reflect lower utilization of the system’s coal generating fleet, as well as lower demand due to mild weather and the COVID-19 pandemic. The company stated that in 2020 coal decreased to 17% of the system’s annual energy supply, while renewables grew to 15%, compared to 69% coal and 1% renewables in 2007. Including nuclear, nearly a third of the system’s energy supply came from zero carbon resources.

Tom Fanning, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Company, said:

“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.”