Houston-based NRG Energy revealed recently plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The announcement also moved forward a previous deadline of reducing carbon emissions by 50 percent from 2030 to 2025.
“Addressing climate change is a priority for our company as it presents one of the greatest challenges and opportunities of our time,” explains Mauricio Gutierrez, NRG’s president and CEO. “By realigning our carbon reduction efforts to the new climate imperative, we create value for all stakeholders and lead our sector towards achieving a sustainable future.”
Another ambitious carbon reduction plan was presented by Irving-based Vistra Energy. The company, which provides power to 20 states, committed in October to cutting carbon output by more than 50 percent by 2030 and more than 80 percent by 2050.
American Electric Power, the parent company of AEP Texas, also recently unveiled a plan to slash carbon output. In September, the utility said it will cut carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030, instead of its original goal of 60 percent. A spokesman added that the company’s aspirational goal is zero net emissions by 2050, although its official target remains set at a cut of 80 percent. CEO Nicholas Akins praises the “significant progress” already made by AEP in reducing emissions, adding, “Technological advances, including energy storage, will determine how quickly we can achieve zero emissions while continuing to provide reliable, affordable power for customers.”