Southern

Southern Company, a US-based electricity transmission services provider, has set ambitious climate targets. The company is aiming for a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 2007 levels by 2030, and has a long-term goal of achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050. These targets are enterprise-wide and encompass equity-share Scope 1 emissions from their electricity and natural gas operations.

In terms of reported emissions:

• 2024: Total emissions were approximately 152 billion kg CO2e. This comprised about 79 billion kg CO2e for Scope 1, and approximately 265 million kg CO2e for Scope 2 (location-based). Scope 3 emissions were around 72.8 billion kg CO2e.
• 2023: Total emissions were approximately 115.3 billion kg CO2e. Scope 1 emissions were about 79.3 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 2 (location-based) at approximately 306 million kg CO2e. Scope 3 emissions were around 35.8 billion kg CO2e.
• 2022: Total emissions were approximately 123.7 billion kg CO2e. Scope 1 emissions were about 84.9 billion kg CO2e, and Scope 2 (market-based and location-based) was approximately 200 million kg CO2e. Scope 3 emissions totalled about 38.5 billion kg CO2e.
• 2021: Total emissions were approximately 117.5 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 accounting for about 82.5 billion kg CO2e and Scope 3 at around 34.8 billion kg CO2e. Scope 2 emissions were approximately 200 million kg CO2e.
• 2020: Total emissions were approximately 79.5 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at about 75.1 billion kg CO2e. Scope 2 (location-based) was approximately 205 million kg CO2e. Specific Scope 3 data for this year includes fuel and energy-related activities at 4.3 billion kg CO2e and use of sold products at 32.2 billion kg CO2e.
• 2019: Total emissions were approximately 123.6 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at about 88.2 billion kg CO2e. Scope 2 (location-based) was approximately 207 million kg CO2e. Scope 3 emissions included around 35.3 billion kg CO2e for the use of sold products and 3.4 billion kg CO2e for fuel and energy-related activities.
• 2018: Scope 1 emissions were approximately 102.6 billion kg CO2e. Scope 3 emissions included about 37.3 billion kg CO2e for the use of sold products and 2.1 billion kg CO2e for fuel and energy-related activities. Scope 2 data was not disclosed for this year.
• 2017: Scope 1 emissions were approximately 101.2 billion kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions totalled about 37 billion kg CO2e. Scope 2 data was not disclosed for this year.
• 2007: Scope 1 emissions were approximately 157 billion kg CO2e.

Southern Company has stated that it expects to consistently achieve its interim 50% reduction goal as early as 2025. The company's emissions reduction efforts are being pursued through strategies including continued coal fleet transition, thoughtful use of natural gas, growth in zero-carbon resources, enhanced energy efficiency, and investment in clean energy technologies.