The Earth is in for severe impacts by 2030, and worse by 2050
From an Announcement by FirstEnergy Corp., Akron, Ohio, November 9, 2020
AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 9, 2020 — Aligned with its mission to help build a brighter and more sustainable future for the communities it serves, FirstEnergy Corp. today announced a pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The company also set an interim goal for a 30% reduction in greenhouse gases within the company’s direct operational control by 2030, based on 2019 levels.
“We believe climate change is among the most important issues of our time,” said President and Acting Chief Executive Officer Steven E. Strah. “We will help address this challenge by building a more climate-resilient energy system and supporting the transition to a carbon-neutral economy. Our ambitious new carbon goal and comprehensive climate strategy are fully aligned with our regulated business strategy and support our commitments to our customers, communities and investors, as well as environmental stewardship.”
FirstEnergy’s comprehensive Climate Position and Strategy Statement outlines the company’s aggressive, business-wide plans to mitigate risks from climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enable its customers and communities to thrive in a carbon-neutral economy. Actions to achieve these goals include:
>>> Hardening its transmission and distribution systems to reduce the physical risks of climate change
>>> Replacing conventional utility trucks with electric and hybrid vehicles and responsibly replacing other aging equipment that emits greenhouse gasses
>>> Reducing emissions at its small regulated generation fleet, while preparing for the transition away from coal-fired power in West Virginia by 2050
>>> Supporting renewable and distributed energy resources, including seeking approval in 2021 to construct a solar generation source of at least 50 megawatts in West Virginia
>>> Utilizing advanced technology to enable customers to manage their energy use
>>> Integrating carbon pricing into financial forecasting
>>> Empowering employees to identify opportunities that drive environmental responsibility
>>> Oversight, accountability and risk mitigation for the climate policy will be provided by an executive steering committee in partnership with the Board and company leadership.
In 2015, FirstEnergy announced plans to achieve a 90% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from 2005 levels by 2045. To date, the company has reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 80% by implementing new technologies and retiring or transferring generation assets. The new goals represent a significant expansion of this target and reflect FirstEnergy’s transformation to a fully regulated utility.
FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate more than 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
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FirstEnergy makes pledge to achieve carbon neutrality, transition from coal-fired power by 2050 | Energy and Environment | wvgazettemail.com
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/firstenergy-makes-pledge-to-achieve-carbon-neutrality-transition-from-coal-fired-power-by-2050/article_8555c828-4317-51c1-a0ea-e1d4ce04b78e.html
FirstEnergy said it will seek approval next year to construct a solar generation source of at least 50 megawatts in West Virginia, acknowledging its current lack of any regulated renewable generation. The company aims to electrify 30% of a 3,500-vehicle fleet by 2030 with a goal of achieving 100% electrification by 2050.