- Achieving net-zero natural gas emissions by 2050 requires significant market and policy changes and customer action
- Managing water supply and discharges in water-stressed regions
- Groundwater exceedances of protection standards at several coal ash facilities
- Supply chain disruptions
- Wildfires
Xcel Energy Inc.
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2023 reporting, Xcel Energy Inc. disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 39.9 million tons CO2e (2023). By scope: Scope 1: 32.02 million metric tons CO2e (2023); Scope 2: 0.31 million metric tons CO2e (2023); Scope 3: 22.06 million metric tons CO2e (2023). 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
39.9 million tons CO2e (2023)
2023
Renewable Energy
40% (2023)
of total energy
Water Usage
2.1M megaliters withdrawn (2023)
2023
Waste
1.1M tons coal ash produced (2023)
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). | 32.02 million metric tons CO2e (2023) |
| Scope 2 | Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat and cooling. | 0.31 million metric tons CO2e (2023) |
| Scope 3 | Other indirect emissions across the value chain (purchased goods, business travel, use of sold products, etc.). | 22.06 million metric tons CO2e (2023) |
New to scopes? Read Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained and market-based vs location-based Scope 2.
📈 Emissions by Report Period
| Report period | Headline emissions figure reported |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 39.9 million tons CO2e (2023) |
| 2022 | 56.97 Million Metric Tons CO2e (2022) |
| 2021 | 43.1 million tons CO2e (2021, preliminary) |
Each row is the headline figure extracted from a different report; scope coverage and methodology can change between years.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- Reduced carbon emissions from generation serving customers by an estimated 54% from 2005 levels
- Retired Sherco 2 coal unit and simultaneously built the largest solar facility in the Midwest at the same site
- Reduced water consumption by 27% since 2005
- Reduced coal ash production by 58% since 2005
- 26% of coal ash beneficially reused in 2023
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Reduce water consumption by 70% by 2030 from 2005 levels
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas service by 25% from 2020 levels by 2030
📅 Medium-term
- Achieve 80% carbon reduction and fully exit coal by the end of 2030
- Boost EV growth in our states to one in five vehicles by 2030
🔭 Long-term
- Become a net-zero energy provider by 2050
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
Reach Net Zero ResponsiblyValue PeopleStrengthen CommunitiesOperate with Integrity