- Rapidly growing energy demand.
- Significant infrastructure investment needs.
- Inflationary pressures impacting customer rates.
- Evolving regulatory landscape.
- Supply chain disruptions impacting fleet vehicle electrification goals.
Southern Company
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2023 reporting, Southern Company disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 79 million tCO2e/year (Scope 1). By scope: Scope 1: 79 million tCO2e/year; Scope 2: <1%; Scope 3: 31% of total. 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
79 million tCO2e/year (Scope 1)
2023
📊 Emissions by Scope (2023)
| 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). | 79 million tCO2e/year |
| Scope 2 | Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat and cooling. | <1% |
| Scope 3 | Other indirect emissions across the value chain (purchased goods, business travel, use of sold products, etc.). | 31% of total |
New to scopes? Read Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained and market-based vs location-based Scope 2.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- Reduced Scope 1 GHG emissions by 49% relative to 2007 levels.
- Completed the expansion of Plant Vogtle (Units 3 and 4), the largest generator of clean energy in the US.
- Reduced the number of coal-fired generating units from 66 to 15 since 2007, with further reductions expected by the mid-2030s.
- Southern Company Gas reduced active leaks by over 75% since 2018 and achieved a methane intensity rate of 0.201% in 2023 (well below ONE Future’s 2025 goal).
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- 50% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 relative to 2007 levels
📅 Medium-term
- Over 20,000 MW of renewable and storage resources by 2030.
🔭 Long-term
- Achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
Clean EnergySafety and HealthEnergy Reliability and Resilience