- Supply chain disruptions due to global pandemic and rising demand.
- Economic impact of retiring coal plants (job losses, tax base reduction).
- Extreme weather events impacting grid reliability and resilience.
- Cyber and physical security threats to the power grid.
- Shortage of skilled labor, particularly line mechanics.
American Electric Power
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2021 reporting, American Electric Power disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 50.8M tCO2e (2021). By scope: Scope 1: 56.4M tCO2e (2021). Figures are as stated in the company's own report and may use different boundaries, units or methods (for example market-based vs location-based Scope 2), so compare with care.
GHG Emissions
50.8M tCO2e (2021)
2021
Renewable Energy
20% (2021)
of total energy
Water Usage
1.6M million gallons (2021)
2021
Waste
3.4M tons (CCPs) (2021)
2021
Energy Use
104.3M MWh (2021)
2021
📊 Emissions by Scope (2021)
| Scope | What it covers | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Direct emissions from sources the company owns or controls (fuel combustion, company vehicles, process and fugitive emissions). | 56.4M tCO2e (2021) |
New to scopes? Read Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained and market-based vs location-based Scope 2.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- Reduced carbon emissions by 70% from 2000 levels by the end of 2021.
- 20% of generation portfolio is now renewables.
- Retired or sold more than 13,700 MW of coal-fueled generation from 2011 through 2021.
- 1,484 MW North Central Energy Facilities (wind) completed in March 2022.
- Reduced annual emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) by approximately 98% and 95%, respectively, since 1990.
- Reduced annual mercury emissions by approximately 97% since 2001.
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Reduce CO2 emissions 80% by 2030 (from 2005 baseline).
📅 Medium-term
- Shift generation portfolio to more than 50% renewable resources by 2030.
- Add approximately 16 gigawatts of new renewable energy by 2030.
🔭 Long-term
- Achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 (scopes 1 and 2).
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
DecarbonizationJust TransitionGrid ModernizationDiversity, Equity & InclusionCustomer Access & AffordabilitySupply Chain ManagementSafety & HealthEnvironmental Justice