Skip to main content.
Wind turbines and solar panels representing Southern Company’s net zero transition initiatives

Net Zero Transition


Southern Company is taking action to meet our goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Clean Energy Aligns with Southern Company's Mission

Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to customers is fundamental to Southern Company’s mission. Our growing portfolio of zero carbon resources plays an integral role in helping us meet these objectives as well as our net zero by 2050 goal, which is in direct alignment with the commitments of the Paris Agreement. We are transforming our business as we build a diverse energy portfolio, develop innovative programs and services for our customers, and research new clean energy technologies.

Our Progress

Southern Company’s net zero progress and goals from GHG emissions baseline to net zero GHG emissions

2007
GHG Emissions Baseline

2022
46% Reduction

Our Goals

Southern Company’s net zero progress and goals from GHG emissions baseline to net zero GHG emissions

2030
50% Reduction

2050
Net Zero GHG Emissions

Clean Energy Transition

  • Southern Company is the 5th largest owner of renewables in the U.S. 
  • 30% of our electric generating capacity was from zero carbon sources in 2022 
  • 4X increase expected in renewable capacity between 2015-2030
  • Expect over 90% reduction in number of coal units by mid-2030s

Net Zero Focus Areas

Key to Southern Company’s environmental initiatives is a net zero transition focusing on greenhouse gas emissions reductions, decarbonization and a Just Transition, which include: 

  • Reduced reliance on coal-fired generating assets
  • Thoughtful use of natural gas
  • Further growth in our portfolio of clean energy resources
  • Enhanced energy efficiency initiatives
  • Negative carbon solutions
  • Continued investment in R&D of clean energy technologies, such as hydrogen

In addition to our efforts to reduce direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2), across the Southern Company system we are working with upstream fuel suppliers and downstream customers to reduce indirect (Scope 3) emissions.

 

Wide-angle view of solar panel field supporting Southern Company’s net zero transition

Energy Portfolio Transition & Scenario Planning

As we transition to net zero, we believe having a diversified energy portfolio is crucial to reducing emissions while maintaining reliability and affordability.

Leadership

Chris Womack, President and Chief Executive Officer, Southern Company
"To continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers, we are expanding our product offerings to include an even broader array of energy solutions. In 2022, nearly one-third of the electricity generated or purchased by Southern Company subsidiaries came from clean energy resources, including nuclear, solar, wind, biomass, landfill gas, energy storage and hydropower.”

Christopher C. Womack

President and Chief Executive Officer, Southern Company

Sustainability Summary

Connect with our sustainability team to learn more