Xcel Energy has set a plan to cut its carbon emissions 30 percent by 2020 and 40 percent by 2030, from 2005 levels, to meet federal carbon requirements.
The 2016-2030 Upper Midwest Integrated Resource Plan also more than doubles the company’s renewable energy portfolio.
Xcel Energy says it will achieve carbon reductions described in the resource plan by:
- Adding 600 MW of wind by 2020 and 1,200 MW by 2030, bringing total wind power on Xcel Energy’s Upper Midwest system to more than 3,600 MW.
- Adding 187 MW of large-scale solar energy by the end of 2016 and an additional 1,700 MW of large-scale solar and 500 MW of customer-driven small-scale solar, bringing total solar power on the company’s Upper Midwest system to about 2,400 MW.
- Operating the carbon-free, baseload Monticello and Prairie Island nuclear plants through their current licenses, which begin expiring in 2030.
- Gradually decreasing reliance on Units 1 and 2 at Sherburne County (Sherco) Generating Plant through 2030.
Xcel Energy’s plan comes as the EPA this week announced it will delay the final rule to reduce carbon emissions from power plants.