A Champion for Carbon-Free Power

At Energy Harbor we work every day to ensure a cleaner future, and we’re empowering our customers to help as well.  Not only are we one of the largest generators of 24/7 carbon-free energy, but we are also uniquely positioned to provide affordable access to clean energy plans and carbon offsets through Emission-Free Energy Certificates (EFECs), the majority of which come from our four nuclear generation units located in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The term “carbon footprint” is thrown around a lot in climate conversations, and you may wonder what it is and what it has to do with you.

By definition, it is a measurement of the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted into the environment. Carbon makes up more than 79% of all GHG emissions produced**, hence the name “carbon footprint.” It can be measured on large, international scales as well as on a business or individual level.

A carbon footprint includes all emissions produced by one person or entity’s day-to-day activities. The average carbon footprint for a person in the U. S. is 16 tons, but your personal footprint may vary, and your business’ carbon footprint is likely much larger.

Carbon footprints are impacted by direct emissions – so activities that involve the burning of fossil fuels, such as gas consumed by a transportation vehicle, or indirect emissions from activities that consume purchased energy, such as electricity and heating. In fact, transportation and electricity are the two largest contributors to carbon emissions in the U.S. That’s why something as simple as enrolling in a carbon-free energy plan or purchasing carbon offsets can make such a big difference, and Energy Harbor can help you shrink your carbon footprint by providing affordable access to carbon-free power. 

The positive environmental impact of reducing and eliminating carbon emissions is well known. Cleaner air, cleaner water, and access to more of our planet, to begin with. It would also slow rising sea levels, melting polar ice and ocean acidification.

Lesser known are the societal benefits of carbon reduction. Getting rid of our carbon footprint has a positive effect on our health and well-being. Carbon-free cultures often have a more robust agricultural foundation and stronger economy, too.

We would also return to more predictable weather. Climate change is blamed for the steady rise in erratic rainfall patterns. Experts call this “drought and deluge,” in which extended periods of drought are met with unprecedented storms. Combined, they cause flooding, which can damage property, disrupt agriculture, and contaminate water supplies.

In 2021, nuclear power generated 778 billion kilowatt hours of electricity in the U.S., accounting for 18.9% of all electricity generated and 50% of carbon-free electricity in the United States. Nuclear energy’s life cycle carbon emissions are some of the lowest across all electricity generation sources. comparable to wind-generated power. According to The International Panel on Climate Change, nuclear energy is as clean as renewable energy. Electricity generated with nuclear energy avoids the emissions of more than 470 million metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. That’s more than the emissions from 100 million passenger vehicles. 

The production output and reliability of nuclear generation make nuclear energy critical to reducing our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a carbon-free energy portfolio.

At Energy Harbor, we are proud to be one of the largest produces of 24/7 carbon-free, nuclear power. We have the second largest non-regulated nuclear fleet in the country, with four nuclear generation units strategically located across Ohio and Pennsylvania. Carbon-free power is tracked and delivered through Emission-Free Energy Certificates (EFECs). Our units produce nearly 30 million EFECs annually to provide these communities and surrounding states with dependable, affordable, and clean power. Through blockchain carbon accounting we can track your usage and ensure 100% of your usage is matched with carbon-free energy.

When we think of decarbonization efforts, we often imagine global initiatives between private industry and governmental organizations that cost hundreds of millions of dollars. The effort seems extraordinary – and costly.

In many ways, it is. It presents a serious challenge for carbon-intensive energy companies and financial services organizations that manage portfolios built on carbon-intensive organizations, over which they have little control.

Thankfully, there are options for carbon-challenged companies that make going carbon-free more affordable – and even more beneficial financially.

Electricity is the second largest contributor of carbon dioxide emissions, so for both businesses and consumers who want to make buying decisions based on environmental efforts, choosing a clean energy plan like those offered by Energy Harbor can help carbon reduction efforts. Since we own the generation, we’re uniquely positioned to provide you clean and affordable supply. So not only are you doing good by the environment, it’s super easy to enroll and you’ll be put on a fixed rate making your energy bill even more predictable. If your business is locked into a supply contract, then Energy Harbor can provide carbon offsets in the form of EFECs matching 100% of your energy usage.

Businesses can employ tactics like eliminating overnight shipping and optimizing delivery routes to both reduce their carbon footprint and save thousands on transportation costs. Ditching business cards and cheaply made tradeshow swag can also improve the atmosphere and the bottom line. Energy Harbor’s carbon offsets can also serve to decarbonize aspects of your supply chain outside of your control. Considering more than two thirds of consumers would play more for a sustainable goods and up to 85% of investors consider ESG factors in their investments, being carbon-free is becoming more of a requirement for sustainable and profitable growth.

Want to learn more? Energy Harbor can help you shrink your carbon footprint by providing affordable access to carbon-free power.

"Energy Harbor's carbon-free energy solutions are backed by our resilient fleet of nuclear power plants, and will play a critical role in meeting our national carbon reduction goals and creating a clean energy future."

- John Judge