Black Hills Corp. Sets Ambitious Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets

Black Hills Corp. has outlined plans to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity at its electric operations and natural gas utility operations over the next two decades. The utility company aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions intensity at its electric operations by 40 percent by 2030 and 70 percent by 2040, and by 50 percent by 2035 at its natural gas utility operations. These goals are based on 2005 baseline levels of greenhouse gas emissions intensity, and are part of the company's focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues for sustainable growth.

Key Takeaways:

Black Hills Corp. plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity at its electric operations by 40 percent by 2030 and 70 percent by 2040.
The company aims to cut carbon emissions intensity from its natural gas utility operations by 50 percent by 2035, based on 2005 baseline levels.
Black Hills owns 315 MW of coal-fired generation, making up a third of its power plant fleet, but has committed to adding renewable energy facilities.
The company has about 215,000 electric customers and 1.1 million natural gas customers across six states in the U.S.
Black Hills is negotiating with a winning bidder on a contract for a 200-megawatt solar project in Pueblo, Colorado.
The company plans to replace about 4,000 miles of aging steel pipelines and about 160,000 meters to reduce methane emissions.
Black Hills increased its capital expenditure forecast for 2020 to 2024 by 7 percent, to $2.9 billion, partly reflecting its pipeline replacement plans.
If former Vice President Joe Biden becomes president, Black Hills may accelerate some of its ESG goals in response to more aggressive climate change policies.

Statistics:

Black Hills corporation aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions intensity at its electric operations by 70 percent by 2040.
The company plans to reduce carbon emissions intensity from its natural gas utility operations by 50 percent by 2035.
Black Hills owns 315 MW of coal-fired generation, which makes up a third of its power plant fleet.
The company has about 215,000 electric customers and 1.1 million natural gas customers across six states in the U.S.
Black Hills plans to replace about 4,000 miles of aging steel pipelines to reduce methane emissions.
The company's increased capital expenditure forecast for 2020 to 2024 is $2.9 billion, a 7 percent increase.

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