Wednesday 24 March 2021

Southern California Gas sets out 2045 net zero emissions pledge

Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) has announced its commitment to achieve net zero emissions in its operations and delivery of energy by 2045.

Its target includes Scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions, which would eliminate not only its own direct emissions but those generated by customers' energy delivered through its infrastructure.

Over the next five years, the company aims to achieve net zero energy in 100% of its newly-constructed buildings and major renovations of buildings over 10,000 square feet, replace 50% of its vehicle fleet with electric, hybrid, natural gas and fuel cell electric vehicles (EVs), establish statewide hydrogen blending standards and complete five hydrogen pilot projects.

By 2030, SoCalGas intends to eliminate 100% of vented gas during planned transmission pipeline work, achieve net zero energy for 50% of all its existing buildings and deliver 20% renewable natural gas.

By 2035, it aims to operate a 100% zero emission road vehicle fleet and achieve net zero energy for 100% of its buildings.

The utility, which serves nearly 22 million households, representing half of the state's population, has also previously implemented energy efficiency measures, delivering increasing amounts of carbon negative renewable natural gas and developing zero carbon hydrogen technologies, among others.

These efforts have resulted in carbon reductions of more than 3.2 million metric tons of CO2, equivalent to removing more than 700,000 passenger vehicles off the road for a year.

SoCalGas CEO Scott Drury said: “Our mission is to build the cleanest, safest and most innovative energy company in America.

“We will lead the energy transition by providing clean fuels and innovative technologies essential to carbon neutrality for California. Through collaboration and partnership, California can develop clean energy solutions at scale and serve as a global beacon for energy innovation.”