2021 Year in Review
Energy can connect people, business and future generations to possibility and opportunity. Throughout 2021, we were driven to realize this potential as we continued to build the future of energy for the advancement of our customers and communities.
Our Plan for a Clean Energy Future
We’ve set a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal of net zero emissions by 2050. At the same time, we’ve reaffirmed our intermediate goal of a 50% reduction of GHG emission from 2007 levels by 2030. We now expect to consistently achieve GHG reductions of greater than 50% by 2025, a full five years earlier than our goal. These are enterprise-wide goals across all electric and gas operations.
Moving to Equity
Southern Company has positioned itself as a leader in the fight for racial justice and equity. Our “Moving to Equity” initiative has impacted every operating company within the Southern Company system, our business operations and the communities we serve.
Southern Company is focusing our equity efforts in five areas: talent, workplace environment, community, political engagement and supplier diversity. We made real progress across all five of these pillars in 2021.
The Propel Center
As part of a $50 million multi-year initiative, Southern Company and Apple joined educators and community stakeholders in January 2021 announcing The Propel Center, a digital learning hub, business incubator and global innovation headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, for students of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Southern Company Foundation issues $10 million in grants to foster HBCU talent
Southern Company Foundation issues $10 million in grants to foster HBCU talent through innovative collaboration between INROADS, UNCF and Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Southern Company Foundation provides a $7 million grant to Emory Law
The Southern Company Foundation has pledged a transformative grant to Emory University to establish the Emory University School of Law Center for Civil Rights and Social Justice and support other student success and access initiatives through Emory College and Winship Cancer Center.
Charlie Sifford Award, presented by Southern Company
The World Golf Hall of Fame announced the creation of the Charlie Sifford Award presented by Southern Company, which will honor recipients for their spirit in advancing diversity in golf.
Vogtle 3 & 4
Southern Company has long been at the forefront of innovation as we continue to uphold our commitment to building the future of energy for our customers and communities. Once complete, Vogtle units 1-4 will produce enough safe, reliable, affordable electricity to power 1 million Georgia homes and businesses and will lead to 800 permanent new jobs upon completion.
2021 Milestones
- Vogtle Unit 3 began hot functional testing in April 2021.
- Vogtle's last major crane lift was achieved in 2021 as a massive water tank was lifted into place atop the Unit 4 containment vessel and shield building roof.
- Unit 3 direct construction is now 99% complete, with the total Vogtle 3 & 4 expansion project approximately 95% complete.
Accolades
From innovating our industry to making strides in sustainable energy, we’re recognized as a leader by customers, partners, investors, employees and the broader business, science and technology communities. Here are some of our awards and distinctions that highlight our 2021 success:
2021 Accolades
- 2021 Best for Vets: Employers - The Military Times
- No. 1 overall
- 2021 Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion The Disability Equality Index - (100% score 5th consecutive year)
- 2021 Top 50 Companies for Diversity - DiversityInc (6th consecutive year)
- 2021 100 percent Corporate Equality Index Score - Human Rights Campaign (5th consecutive year)
Innovation & Leadership
The future needs of our customers demand a company capable of offering various energy solutions. Throughout 2021, we continued to expand our innovative product offerings to provide energy across the entire portfolio of energy sources.
Southern Company signs agreement with U.S. Department of Energy to demonstrate world’s first fast-spectrum salt reactor
Southern Company and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have established a cooperative agreement to design, construct and operate the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment – the world's first critical fast-spectrum salt reactor.
Southern Company makes anchor investment in the latest Energy Impact Partners $1 billion fund
Through Fund II, Southern Company will continue working with EIP to identify cutting-edge technologies that advance the zero-carbon economy and address our global decarbonization goals.
Our Community Impact
Our mission to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy is about more than our bottom line. Throughout 2021, we were committed to supporting and improving our communities and environment at the local level and beyond, while conducting business with honesty, integrity and fairness. In 2021, we supported more than 1,000 unique community organizations doing work across our system’s footprint.
Through our PGA TOUR partnership, more than $40 million has been donated to fund education, health and wellness programs, and neighborhood revitalization. Building better communities is our shared goal and why we are proud to be the Official Energy Company of the PGA TOUR and Proud Partner of TOUR Championship.
How Grove Park Foundation is 'Quarterbacking' a Neighborhood Success Story
Southern Company has been an integral part in this ongoing success story, working with the Grove Park Foundation, residents, community leaders and local partners to reestablish a healthy, equitable and vibrant community.
Grove Park Foundation - Revitalizing Grove Park
Purpose Built Schools Atlanta Transform Futures and Communities
Purpose Built Schools Atlanta Transform Futures and Communities
Southern Company has been a key partner in fulfilling Purpose Built School's Mission to support their students as people, not just as test score.
East Lake proves the power of partnership
For more than 25 years, the East Lake Foundation has pulled together residents and public and private partners to transform a community and Southern Company has been an integral part of this ongoing success story.
A Partnership with Purpose