World’s largest power producer NextEra aims to be CO2 neutral by 2045

NextEra Energy, Inc, which is, according to its own statement, the world’s largest power producer with a market capitalization of more than $100 billion and also the world’s largest generator of wind and solar power, has unveiled a »Real Zero« strategy. The group, which is active in around half of all U.S. states through various subsidiaries – including Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), the largest utility in the U.S. – aims to be completely CO2-neutral by 2045. However, nuclear power will remain in the generation portfolio, but the vast majority will come from wind and solar in combination with battery storage.
For FPL alone, the expansion of solar power capacity from 4 gigawatts (GW) today to 90 gigawatts is part of the strategy. FPL’s capacity of battery storage power plants is to increase from 0.5 to 50 GW. The current total capacity of nuclear power plants of 3.5 GW is to remain. Gas-fired power plants with a total capacity of 16 GW are to be converted to run on green hydrogen, and the use of »renewable« gas from biomass, for example, is planned for 6 GW.
The Real Zero strategy also includes helping other companies in the energy sector, as well as across the U.S. economy, to achieve carbon neutrality. The strategy is to be implemented at no additional cost to customers. Based on 2005 levels, NextEra’s carbon emissions are expected to decrease 82 percent by 2030, 87 percent by 2035 and 94 percent by 2040. The Real Zero target is then to be achieved »no later than 2045.«
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