Cooperative Living March/April 2021 - 23

MemberFYI | by Steven Johnson, Staff Writer
ODEC Sets Net-Zero
CO2 Emissions Goal
Marcus Harris
O
Generation and transmission cooperative
will add to its renewable energy mix
ld Dominion Electric Cooperative has become just
the second generation and transmission cooperative
in the country to set a net-zero carbon goal.
ODEC, which provides affordable, reliable and sustainable
power to 11 member cooperatives in Virginia, Maryland
and Delaware, has set a goal of net-zero carbon dioxide
emissions by 2050.
The cooperative also has set an interim goal to
reduce its carbon intensity by 50% from 2005
levels by 2030.
" We're dedicated to expanding our carbon-free
energy generation. ODEC is committed to
evaluating all options and working with our board
to identify the most cost-effective alternatives to
further reduce our CO2 footprint while keeping
electricity affordable and reliable, " says Marcus
Harris, president and chief executive officer of
Glen Allen, Va.-based ODEC.
Since 2005, ODEC has reduced CO2 emissions by
46% and has reduced its carbon intensity by 44%. The
2050 goal further emphasizes the cooperative's dedication
to using renewable energy sources. More than 35% of
ODEC's energy was generated by non-CO2-emitting
resources in 2020.
Bob Perciasepe, president of the Center for Climate
and Energy Solutions and former deputy administrator of
the Environmental Protection Agency, credits ODEC for
taking a lead role on emissions issues, noting that electric
cooperatives serve more than 40 million people and
provide more than 10% of the nation's electricity.
" By establishing a goal and a vision for net-zero
emissions in 2050, ODEC is presenting an example for
other cooperatives across the country and is to be
commended for this leadership, " he says.
Currently, ODEC has 300 megawatts of wind, solar
and landfill gas as part of its resource mix related to
contracts from renewable facilities from which it purchases
renewable energy credits.
" We're dedicated
to expanding our
carbon-free energy
generation. "
- Marcus Harris,
President & CEO,
ODEC
ODEC is also investing in battery storage opportunities
and is seeking proposals from several vendors
to develop projects throughout its members'
service territories. It also works closely with
its members to offer retail consumer-members
energy-efficiency options.
" ODEC plans to vigorously pursue its
carbon-reduction and clean energy-expansion
goals, but will also ensure that achieving that
goal will not disrupt the reliable electric
service it has provided for more than 70
years, " Harris adds.
" Since its inception, ODEC has been an innovative
leader among cooperatives in its efforts to provide
affordable and reliable electricity. Today, we very proudly
announce that, once again, we're taking an industry
leadership role with our carbon reduction, and clean
energy goals, " says John C. Lee Jr., chairman of the
board of directors of ODEC, and president and CEO of
Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative.
" I commend ODEC for being only the second power
generation cooperative in the country to adopt a net-zero
carbon goal, " adds Virginia Del. Rip Sullivan, D-Arlington.
" I look forward to working with them to foster policies
in the coming years that accelerate the decarbonization
of our electricity sector. " ■
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Cooperative Living March/April 2021

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