New wind energy capacity helped US company Xcel Energy cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 10% last year.
Xcel said increased wind generation on its system, which made up more than 20% of its energy supply last year, helped cut CO2 emission by 5.6 million tonnes in 2019.
Three major wind projects were completed by the company in 2018 and 2019 – the Rush Creek in Colorado, and Hale and Bonita plants in Texas.
Other factors cutting emissions included flexible coal plant operations, strong performance from the company’s nuclear fleet and low natural gas prices, Xcel said.
Since 2005, the company said it has reduced CO2 emissions by 44%.
Xcel Energy president and chief executive Ben Fowke said: “We’re making tremendous progress on our clean energy journey. Our 2019 carbon results demonstrate our ability to transition to low-carbon energy resources while keeping service reliable and customer bills low.”