Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) recently announced its goal to deliver 100 percent clean, carbon-free electricity to customers by 2050. APS’ goal includes a nearer-term 2030 target of achieving a resource mix that is 65 percent clean energy, with 45 percent of the portfolio coming from renewable energy. APS will end all coal-fired generation by 2031, seven years sooner than previously projected.
“We see incredible things ahead for Arizona and are excited to power our state’s future with electricity that is 100 percent clean,” said Jeff Guldner, APS chairman and CEO. “We’re starting from an energy mix that is 50 percent clean today, including energy efficiency and electricity from one of the nation’s largest solar fleets and the country’s most powerful carbon-free and clean energy resource – the Palo Verde Generating Station.”
On the journey to a carbon-free future, APS plans to ensure reliability and affordability through intelligent investments in renewable resources and developing technologies, nuclear power produced at the Palo Verde Generating Station, and energy efficiency and other programs for customers. Achieving this 100 percent clean goal while maintaining reliability of service at affordable rates for customers also will rely on existing power sources, continued modernization of the electric grid, energy storage solutions, policy decisions, electrification of the state’s different economic sectors, and evolving regional and market-based solutions.
The benefits of a 100 percent clean power portfolio will include helping customers achieve their own sustainability goals and attracting more employers to Arizona who want to be served fully by carbon-free resources at a reasonable cost and without compromising reliability.
“Arizona Public Service is taking the lead among U.S. utility companies to achieve 100 percent carbon-free energy,” said Nat Kreamer, chief executive officer of Advanced Energy Economy. “Advanced energy technologies like renewable energy, electric vehicles, storage, energy efficiency and nuclear will all play important roles.”
With headquarters in Phoenix, APS currently serves approximately 2.7 million people in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is the Southwest’s foremost producer of clean, safe and reliable electricity.
For more information, visit www.aps.com.