GRIMES, Ia. Nov. 5, 2020  ̶  Black Hills Energy today announced corporate-wide clean energy goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity 50% by 2035 for its natural gas utility operations and 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2040 for its electric operations. 

The company’s goals are based on 2005 baseline levels of GHG emissions intensity for its natural gas distribution system and electric operations. Since 2005, the company has reduced GHG emissions intensity from its natural gas utility operations by more than 33% and achieved a 25% reduction from its electric operations.

“Our clean energy goals keep the needs of our customers at the forefront of our decision-making and reflect commitments that are achievable using technology available today,”

“Our clean energy goals keep the needs of our customers at the forefront of our decision-making and reflect commitments that are achievable using technology available today,” said Shirley Welte, Black Hills Energy’s vice president of operations. “Our goal of 50% emissions intensity reduction will be realized by executing upon our distribution integrity management plans, which calls for programmatic upgrades of our natural gas system to ensure safety and integrity.”

Black Hills Energy operates a modern gas system across six states, including Iowa, with no cast iron pipe since 2014 and nearly 99% of infrastructure comprised of materials with the lowest emissions factors. Investing in infrastructure safety and the environment are a priority for Black Hills Energy and the company is committed to completing replacement of all remaining unprotected pipe on its system before 2035.

Black Hills Energy partnered with the City of Dubuque, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation and Bio Resources Development (BRD) on a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) project. This facility utilizes a renewable energy resource (methane), that would have otherwise been wasted, and turns it into an environmentally friendly, ultra-low carbon fuel. The raw biogas is cleaned to produce pipeline quality Renewable Natural Gas. Black Hills Energy’s primary role is to continuously monitor and verify the quality.  When Black Hills Energy standards are met, the RNG is injected into the gas distribution system, also helping the city reduce its carbon footprint. This innovative project was the first of its kind in Iowa and for Black Hills Energy.;

Additional information about the company’s GHG emissions reduction goals and environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies and initiatives are available in Black Hills Energy’s newly published corporate responsibility report at blackhillsenergy.com/sustainability.