Xcel Energy, the top renewable energy company, announced this Wednesday that it is officially the number one and the largest energy provider in the United States; when it comes to wind, solar and battery storage. The data comes from the American Clean Power Association.
Firstly, on its latest annual report, the ACP ranks investor-owned utilities, based on the amount of clean power on their systems at the end of 2020; and Xcel Energy came out on top.
Secondly, after the news broke, the company released a statement saying that it has now committed to deliver 100% carbon-free electricity to its customers by 2050; the company claims to be more than halfway from that goal.
Thirdly, the company has also proposed plans to retire most of its coal generation ahead of schedule; which will help reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2030. This target is indeed one of the most aggressive interim targets in the industry; consistent with the Paris Agreement targets.
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Xcel Energy with aggressive climate targets
Moreover, at the end of 2020, Xcel Energy had 11,205 megawatts of wind and solar on the system, edging out its peers by 43 megawatts, according to the report; while by this first half of 2021, the company surpassed 10,000 megawatts of wind on its system; after wrapping up the largest multi-state wind expansion in the country.
Furthermore, by the end of this year, Dakota Range, a large wind farm in South Dakota, is expected to come online. About the importance of this milestone, Ben Fowke, CEO and chairman of Xcel Energy, said. “The nation has seen tremendous growth on the wind and solar front; we’re also proud to be leading the charge in providing our customers with clean energy.”
He also remarked. “This is a time of significant change for our company and industry; as we embrace renewables and other technologies that provide value to our customers, communities and the environment.”
Finally, and apart from its goal to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2030, Xcel Energy expects to serve customers company-wide with electricity that is nearly 80% carbon free, including approximately 65% renewable sources, by the end of the decade.
