Dive Brief:

  • National Grid, a U.K.-owned electric and gas utility, announced on Thursday a pledge to reach net zero emissions by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. The announcement has created new buzz around hydrogen energy, said to be the "lynchpin" between the company's gas and electric networks, according to a spokesperson.
  • National Grid's Net Zero by 2050 plan involves cutting scope 3 emissions — the emissions from the fuels and electricity it provides —  20% by 2030. The utility will target 80% cuts to scope 1 (direct operations) and scope 2 (power purchases) emissions by 2030.
  • A number of utilities have pledged in recent weeks to accelerate climate action plans and to cut carbon emissions and achieve net zero emissions by 2050, including Ameren, a utility that owns a large amount of coal. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has celebrated the announcements, in particular their inclusion of energy efficiency and the use of alternative fuels.