Within the 2023 Enel will reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions per kWh by 70 percent and 16% indirect emissions associated with the sale of natural gas compared to the values recorded in 2017. This was announced by the company led by Francesco Starace. To certify the decrease, in line with the update of April 2019, will be the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global initiative aimed at supporting the definition of scientific objectives that stimulate companies to support the transition towards a zero-emission economy which the company joined in 2015.
The commitment is part ofthe group's goal of achieving zero emissions by 2050 with the aim of making its contribution to limiting the increase in global temperature to a maximum of 1,5°C compared to pre-industrial levels.
READ MORE: Enel, the first sustainable bond in the world is snapped up
“By reducing our direct emissions by 70% through the implementation of this new certified target, already twenty years ahead of the 2050 deadline we are on the right path towards achieving the goal of complete decarbonisation”, commented the CEO, Francesco Starace, “Climate change, which is one of the most critical issues of our time, represents a great challenge but also an incredible opportunity, given that renewables contribute significantly to the Group's growth and sustainability is one of the main drivers of creation worth. Our strategy is aimed at responding to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals producing financial value while contributing to the creation of a carbon neutral society. As a global tool, SBTi provides a clear path for companies to create value from sustainability and decarbonisation. The general objective of the initiative is to ensure that scientifically based targets become a widespread corporate practice and we at Enel are more than ready to adopt this approach in pursuing our ambitious goals”.
TO UNDERLINE that in 2018 Enel reduced greenhouse gas emissions per kWh by 21% compared to 2007 and "it will continue on this path by making important investments in renewable energies equal to a gross capex of 11,6 billion euros by 2021", reads the note from the group. Through Enel Green Power, the group currently has over 43 GW of managed renewable capacity to which it will add approximately 11,6 GW by 2021 (equal to an increase of over 25%), while reducing its thermoelectric capacity by approximately 7 GW from over 46 GW currently (a decrease of over 15%). According to forecasts, thanks to this strategy, Enel will bring the share of energy generated without emissions to 62% by 2021.
