Arizona’s largest utility, Arizona Public Service, (APS) made a major announcement yesterday on its future energy mix and carbon reduction goals. APS announced it plans to reach 100% clean energy, with zero carbon emissions, by 2050. In the near-term, APS plans on generating 65% clean energy by 2030 with 45% of their energy portfolio coming from renewable energy sources. Currently APS generates 13% of its electricity from renewable sources. The plan will rely on APS’s Palo Verde Nuclear generating plant which currently contributes 25% of the company’s energy portfolio, that is carbon free. APS will also remove all of its coal generation from its portfolio by 2031.
APS CEO Jeff Guldner, who became the head of the company last November, said:
"This is an important day for APS, our customers and Arizona. Our clean energy plan will be guided by sound science, and will encourage market-based solutions to climate issues. Through increased collaboration with our customers, regulators and other stakeholders, we expect to achieve environmental and economic gains without undermining our commitment to affordable, reliable service.”
Guldner noted that getting to the 100% goal would require a multifaceted approach including continued modernization of the grid, development of new energy and storage technologies, cooperation with policy makers, and participation in regional energy markets. APS believes that the new goals will send an important market signal to scientists and entrepreneurs developing new technologies that will be needed in the transition.
APS joins other Arizona utilities to voluntarily increase clean energy beyond the state RPS. Last year, Salt River Project (SRP), announced goals for reducing CO2 emitted by 62% from 2005 levels by 2035 and by 90% by 2050. Tuscan Electric Power (TEP) plans to generate 30% of its electricity from renewables by 2030. APS also joins at least six other major utilities from the West and other parts of the country that have recently committed to goal of 100 percent clean energy. These utilities have pledged similar carbon reduction timelines of 100% reductions by 2050 or sooner: Avista, Duke Energy, Green Mountain Power, Idaho Power, Public Service Company of New Mexico, and Xcel Energy.
“Our commitment is to maintain a leadership role in shaping a forward-thinking, healthy and prosperous Arizona where people can build a better life,” said Guldner. “We believe this initiative will encourage economic development in clean and innovative industries, create thousands of jobs and advance a healthy environment. Now comes the hard work of making it happen, which we are excited to carry out with others dedicated to securing a bright future for Arizona.”