Net-Zero Carbon Electricity
Your community energy company is working to reduce carbon emissions as quickly and cost-effectively as we can. MGE is targeting net-zero carbon electricity by 2050, consistent with global climate science. By working with our customers, we can reach our goal of a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Ongoing clean energy transition
MGE continues to invest in transitioning our energy supply mix by growing our use of cost-effective renewable energy, which is one of our decarbonization strategies. This map illustrates the dozens of projects introduced since 2015 when we announced our framework for a more sustainable future. The map below reflects wind, solar and battery storage projects in service, approved or proposed for regulatory approval. We continue to evaluate potential new wind, solar and battery sites beyond what is currently planned.
Commitment to reliability
To ensure MGE is able to meet the needs of our customers reliably as we grow our use of renewable resources, MGE also has invested in highly efficient natural gas generation. Natural gas is considered a bridge fuel. It offers MGE customers a safe, reliable, affordable and lower-emission energy source that will help enable MGE's path toward greater use of carbon-free resources and toward net-zero carbon electricity.
Strategies to achieve deep decarbonization
In addition to transitioning our energy generation to cleaner sources, MGE also is engaging customers around energy efficiency and working to electrify transportation. Energy efficiency and electrification are key strategies identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change October 2018 Special Report on limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
MGE already has reduced carbon emissions more than 40% from baseline year 2005. That's halfway to MGE's commitment to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2030 as we work toward net-zero carbon electricity by 2050.
Through programs, resources and tools, we are assisting customers with the wise use of energy and with options for electric vehicle charging. As MGE decarbonizes our energy supply, efforts to advance energy efficiency and electrification become more powerful in helping to reduce emissions.
UW-Madison analysis on MGE's net-zero carbon goal
In May 2019, MGE announced our ambitious goal of net-zero carbon electricity by 2050 consistent with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change October 2018 Special Report on limiting global warming to 1.5°C. In fall 2020, the UW-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies released its independent analysis of MGE's net-zero carbon goal.
Framework for a more sustainable future
In November 2015, MGE introduced our framework for a more sustainable future. The framework established goals and foundational objectives for building your community energy company for the future. It continues to guide our work with customers as we work to reduce carbon emissions for the benefit of all customers.
Net-Zero Methane Emissions by 2035
Building upon our long-standing commitment to providing affordable, sustainable energy, in 2023, MGE set a goal to achieve net-zero methane emissions from our natural gas distribution system by 2035.
If the company can accelerate its plans to achieve net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas system—through the evolution of new technologies, such as renewable natural gas—we will. We are working to reduce overall emissions from our natural gas distribution system cost-effectively as quickly as possible.
