[Xcel Energy, 4 December 2018]

Xcel Energy has announced their intention to achieve a zero-carbon electricity mix by 2050. On the way towards this goal, Xcel will reduce CO2 emissions 80% by 2030 (from 2005 levels). Xcel’s vision is the most ambitious within the electricity industry so far. Xcel does note, however, that it’s 2050 goal requires the integration of technologies that are not cost-effective/commercially available today. For this reason, the utility is focused on the development of advanced technologies and encouraging policies that aid this technological growth. Ben Fowke – Chairman, President, and CEO of Xcel Energy – stated, “This is an extraordinary time to work in the energy industry, as we’re providing customers more low-cost clean energy than we could have imagined a decade ago. We’re accelerating our carbon reduction goals because we’re encouraged by advances in technology, motivated by customers who are asking for it and committed to working with partners to make it happen.”