SJI outlines advancement of clean energy goals

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As it continues efforts to be carbon neutral by 2040, Folsom-based SJI is building on its comprehensive clean energy plan – dubbed Leading the Way – and marking its next phase.

The proposal lays out the company’s current progress and vision toward reaching that goal to make operations carbon neutral over the next 18 years. SJI says its focus on those efforts is reflected in a number of ways, including the advancement of its renewable energy investments, energy efficiency programs and infrastructure upgrades, as well as the formation of a diverse and talented team of clean energy professionals.

“At SJI, we recognize that we hold a shared responsibility with our employees, customers and communities to protect the environment we call home,” said Mike Renna, president and CEO, SJI in a June 9 statement. “That’s why we are committed to promoting sustainability, driving innovation and Leading the Way towards a clean energy future for our state and region.”

SJI pointed to some of its accomplishments and ongoing initiatives, saying it has made significant strides in meeting the 2040 goal.

Those include SJI Renewable Energy Ventures breaking ground on eight renewable natural gas facilities. As part of efforts to enhance infrastructure sustainability, in 2021, South Jersey Gas completed its Accelerated Infrastructure Replacement Program, resulting in the replacement of more than 800 miles of cast iron and bare-steel main. And, the Elizabethtown Gas Infrastructure Investment Program, a five-year $300 million initiative that began on July 1, 2019, will replace approximately 250 miles of main.

SJI’s subsidiaries South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas, with the support of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, also expanded their energy efficiency programs by $216 million in 2021.

And, in its efforts to establish internal, clean energy-focused teams, SJI formed the Clean Energy and Sustainability Team in 2020, responsible for the development, execution and oversight of the organization’s clean energy and sustainability initiatives.

The company recently released its 2021 Annual Report, which further detailed the steps taken to reach its ambitious goal.