SDG&E Unveils Ambitious Sustainability Strategy Update

Strategic Insights -

SDG&E has released its annual sustainability strategy update, outlining its progress and new goals to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. The company spent a year listening to stakeholders to incorporate their feedback into its long-term strategy, recognizing the need for community support and collaboration to reach carbon neutrality.

Key Takeaways:

  • SDG&E aims to operate a Zero Emissions Fleet by 2035, five years ahead of its original goal, and achieve Zero Net Energy Facilities by 2030, focusing on its own operations to ensure sustainability.
  • The company will pilot a Virtual Power Plant by 2022, integrating customer-owned distributed energy resources to boost grid reliability, flexibility, and resilience.
  • SDG&E has added two energy storage facilities (totaling 50 MW) and started construction on a third, acquired three large-scale mobile batteries, and finished construction of a renewable microgrid in a rural community.
  • The company has issued $750 million in green bonds to fund sustainability projects and is a part of the regional collaborative called Accelerate to Zero Emissions (A2Z) to support widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
  • SDG&E has committed to transparency and accountability, providing annual updates on its progress, and continues to work on its comprehensive sustainability strategy.

Statistics:

  • SDG&E plans to operate a 100% zero emissions vehicle fleet by 2035.
  • The company aims to achieve zero net energy for all company-owned facilities in San Diego and southern Orange County by 2030.
  • SDG&E has added two energy storage facilities, totaling 50 MW, and started construction on a third.
  • The company has acquired three large-scale mobile batteries for backup power during emergencies.
  • SDG&E has issued $750 million in green bonds to fund sustainability projects.

Sources:

  • Caltrans Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Mitigation Report, published Aug. 2020
  • California Air Resource Board
  • California Public Utilities Commission
  • Sempra Energy's press release on sustainability strategy update (BusinessWire, October 18, 2021)