Italian energy giant Enel said Wednesday it plans to reduce its direct greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent by 2030 compared to 2017 levels.
In an announcement just a few days ahead of the UN Climate Summit, Enel said it wanted to help achieve the UN's goal of limiting the maximum global temperature increase to 1.5 percent Celsius from pre-industrial levels, and achieving zero emissions by 2050.
"By cutting our direct emissions by 70 percent… we will be well on track, 20 years before the 2050 deadline, to achieving our full decarbonisation target," said CEO Francesco Starace said in a statement.
"As one of the most critical issues of our time, climate change represents a great challenge but also a tremendous opportunity, with renewables now contributing significantly to Enel's growth and sustainability," Starace said.
The company said it has committed to reducing by 16 percent its indirect emissions from the sale of natural gas in the retail market by 2030 from 2017.
Enel has already reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 21 percent compared to 2007.
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