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Utilities
SRP sets new goals to zero out carbon emissions by 2050
Courtesy SRP/Michael McNamara
SRP is pushing up goals to be net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through deployment of more renewable energy, like this 100-megawatt solar field near Eloy.
Posted
Independent Newsmedia
Salt River Project is upping its efforts to reach a net-zero carbon emissions position by 2050.
The utility and water provider saw its board on Monday approve revisions to its 2035 sustainability goals aimed to boost renewable energy production, support electric vehicles and decrease carbon emissions.
“We are pleased with the progress SRP has made towards meeting our sustainability goals and that we are in a position to be even more ambitious in many of the goals," said Bobby Olsen, SRP associate general manager and chief planning, strategy and sustainability executive. "The goals incorporate sustainability into all aspects of our business and will lead us to further innovate, partner and challenge the status quo as we work to deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable water and power in one of the fastest-growing areas of the nation."
SRP is not regulated in the state by the Arizona Corporation Commission as other utilities are, but the organization has continued to put in place sustainability goals similar to those of other state utilities.
In the update of its sustainability plan first approved in 2019, SRP plans to:
Reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by generation, per megawatt-hour, by 82% from 2005 levels by 2035 and achieve net-zero carbon by 2050.
Deliver over 4 million megawatt-hours of annual aggregate energy savings through energy efficiency by 2035.
Support adoption of 1 million electric vehicles in SRP’s service territory and manage 90% of EV charging by 2035.
Achieve 30% reduction in generation-related water use intensity across all water types from 2005 baseline.
Increase SRP's leadership role in forest restoration treatments through partnerships, influence, education and support for industry to thin 800,000 acres total by 2035.
SRP serves about 1 million customers in Arizona with electricity and also serves a large portion of Maricopa County with water. A full list of SRP’s revised 2035 Sustainability Goals is available here. The revised goals will go into effect in May 2025.
Utilities around the U.S. have worked to reduce dependency on coal-fired power plants to reduce carbon dioxide emissions as well as move toward renewable enery. SRP had plans to reduce its dependency on coal and natural gas, which would make up a slight majority of power production by 2025, to a clear majority from renewables by 2035.
