2022 CC Transition Report Spreads Flat Final - Flipbook - Page 4
Southern Company’s net zero goal and fleet transition
> Reduced reliance on coal-fired generating assets
> Use of natural gas to enable the low-carbon
energy transition
> Further growth in our portfolio of zero-carbon
resources
> Enhanced energy-efficiency initiatives
> Negative-carbon solutions and continued investment
in research and development (R&D) of clean energy
technologies
> Constructive energy policy engagement
Chart of emissions reductions
TOTAL GHG EMISSIONS*
(based on equity share)
Metric tons of CO2e (millions)
Southern Company’s net zero by 2050 goal
encompasses direct GHG emissions from our electric
and gas operations. The strategy for achieving
Southern Company’s emissions-reduction goals includes:
Global background and perspectives on Just Transition
47%
reduction
since 2007
157
88
2007
2019
75
82
2020
2021
*In 2020, the combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and relatively mild
weather significantly reduced demand; we expect to consistently achieve
a 50% reduction or greater by 2025.
At COP26, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “The Paris Agreement calls for a Just Transition because worker voices
demanded it through our unions.” The union leader called the declaration “a welcome step that we now need to make
Across our electric operating companies, we have proposed a wide range of generation, transmission, distribution,
storage and energy-efficiency solutions in alignment with our net zero by 2050 target. Large shifts such as these
over a short period of time require a balanced approach as we seek to maintain reliability and affordability while
also prioritizing the needs of our workforce and communities.
Coal repowerings and retirements since 2007 demonstrate significant fleet transition
COAL CAPACITY MEGAWATTS
NUMBER OF COAL UNITS
66
88%
20,457
reduction in
number of
coal units
78%
9,799
18
4,430
8
2007
2020
2028E Proposed*
reduction in
coal capacity
2007
2020
2028E Proposed*
Recently announced 6,370 MWs of potential coal capacity retirements or repowerings through 2028*
*Reflects Effluent Limitation Guideline (ELG) compliance filings made by Southern Company’s traditional electric operating companies, as well as the 2021
Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for Mississippi Power and Georgia Power’s 2022 IRP. The retirements and repowerings planned through recent ELG filings are
subject to state regulatory approval. Of the remaining eight coal-fired generating units, Georgia Power is the minority owner of a total of 137 megawatts in
Plant Scherer Units 1 & 2 and retirement and/or repowering decisions will be made by majority owners. Repowering means retrofitting existing steam plants
to burn natural gas during peak loads.
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Just Transition Report
real with actions on the ground, not just words on paper.”
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United
Nations agency that brings together governments,
employers and workers’ representatives of 187
member states, including the United States, to set
labor standards, develop policies and devise programs
promoting decent work for all women and men. In 2015,
the ILO adopted a Just Transition policy framework
concerning sustainable development, decent work and
green jobs.
In November 2021 at the COP26 U.N. climate change
conference held in Glasgow, Scotland, more than 30
countries, including the United States, signed the Just
Transition Declaration. The declaration recognized
the need to ensure that no one is left behind in the
transition to net zero economies – particularly those
working in sectors, cities and regions reliant on
carbon-intensive industries and production.
In addition, labor organizations such as the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) have testified
before Congress about the role IBEW and other unions
can play in meeting the nation’s increased demand for
workers in the evolving energy industry.
In the declaration, countries commit to
Support workers, communities and regions that
are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the
move away from carbon-intensive economies
Promote social dialogue and engagement
between governments, employers and workers
representatives, and other groups affected by the
transition to green economies
Implement economic strategies that support clean
energy, foster resource-efficient economic growth,
create income and decent jobs, and reduce poverty
and inequality
Create decent jobs for people in their local areas,
coupled with re-skilling and training,
and social protection for those in need
Ensure that existing and new supply chains
create decent work for all, including the most
marginalized, with respect for human rights
Just Transition Report
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