Utility holding company Xcel Energy has pledged to deliver carbon-free electricity in the eight states it serves by 2050, while announcing a new, more ambitious 80% CO2 emissions reduction goal – up from 60% – by 2030, from 2005 levels.

The new targets are the most ambitious announced to date within the US electric power industry.

“We’re accelerating our carbon reduction goals because we’re encouraged by advances in technology, motivated by customers who are asking for it and committed to working with partners to make it happen,” said Xcel chief executive Ben Fowke.