Did You Know America's Largest Carbon-Free Energy Source is Located in Arizona and Operated by APS?

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

It's a little-known fact, but one that has a huge impact on Arizona and the state's environmental well-being. The Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station is the country's largest producer of emission-free energy, by far surpassing other energy sources for producing clean, around-the-clock power.

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No single energy source produces as much clean energy as America's largest nuclear power plant. For the 24^th consecutive year, Palo Verde was the nation's biggest power producer in 2015, safely generating 32.5 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of carbon-free electricity.

According to industry data, Palo Verde produces 80 percent of Arizona's clean electricity, with nearly half of the plant's output dedicated to serving Arizona consumers. In addition, Palo Verde-generated electricity displaces more than 13.2 million metric tons of greenhouse-gas emissions that would otherwise have been produced to power homes and businesses from Texas to California.

"In a state where clear, blue skies and natural wonders like the Grand Canyon are valued, we are doing our part to ensure Arizona's extraordinary beauty is preserved for future generations," said Don Brandt, APS Chairman, President and CEO, as well as Chairman of the Nuclear Energy Institute. "Using electricity produced from Palo Verde's three units is the equivalent of removing 2.8 million cars from our streets and highways every year. As a result, our customers have been enjoying cleaner air since the plant first started producing electricity in 1986.

"And, while other emission-free energy resources – like solar – will remain a vital part of APS's energy future, Palo Verde's contribution to ensuring clean energy and clear skies is undeniable. It's one important reason Palo Verde is recognized as a critical asset to the entire Southwest."

Altogether, the entire U.S. nuclear power industry helped avoid more than 564 million metric tons of greenhouse-gas emissions in 2015, while producing 63 percent of America's carbon-free electricity, according to statistics from the Energy Information Administration. By comparison, energy produced by hydro, wind, solar and geothermal collectively reduced greenhouse gases by 339 million metric tons, or 37 percent of the United States' clean electricity. (See bar graph included with release.)

Since it began operation in 1986, Palo Verde has produced more than 780 million MWh, providing environmentally friendly energy to more than 4 million people. About half the plant's output serves Arizona customers with the remaining power spread among California, New Mexico and far west Texas. In addition to the carbon-free energy produced, the plant has an annual economic impact of more than $1.8 billion in Arizona through taxes, salaries, purchases of materials and services, and more.

Palo Verde is operated by APS and jointly owned by APS, Salt River Project, El Paso Electric Co., Southern California Edison Co., Public Service Co. of New Mexico, Southern California Public Power Authority and the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power.

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electric utility, serves nearly 1.2 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. PNW.

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