Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) has announced its commitment to increase its carbon reduction goal to reduce emissions by at least 80% by 2030.

The target is a boost from its previous target of 40% carbon reduction by 2030.

The energy company also previously said it would work towards net zero carbon electricity by 2050.

In the last year, MGE announced the planned early retirement of the coal-fired Columbia Energy Centre by 2025, around 15 years ahead of schedule, as part of the company’s ongoing transition away from fossil fuels and increased investments in renewable energy generation.

It expects to reduce its coal use by 2030 and have no ownership of coal-fired generation by 2035.

The company also plans to purchase 25MW from the West Riverside Energy Centre, with an option to buy an additional 25MW. A 50MW share of this new, highly efficient gas plant is expected to produce around 10% of the emissions of MGE’s share of the Columbia plant.

Jeff Keebler, MGE Chairman, President and CEO said: “In 2019, MGE was one of the first utilities in the nation to commit to net zero carbon by 2050. Since announcing our carbon reduction goals, we have said that if we can move further faster by working with our customers, we will.

“Today’s announcement of our goal to reduce carbon at least 80% by 2030 reflects our commitment to working together to move further faster. We’re committed to doing everything we can do today to advance our deep decarbonization strategies as quickly and as cost-effectively as we can while maintaining our top-ranked electric reliability and our responsibility to those we serve.”