In addition to developing new coal technologies, we are increasing the diversity of the fuels we use to produce electricity. Today, 68 percent of our energy comes from coal. We have not yet determined what the right percentage is, but actions we have taken will drive it lower and develop a more diverse electricity supply. We are building or buying more natural gas-fired plants to meet peak demand periods, such as the summer cooling season. Natural gas units emit about half the CO2 compared with similarly sized coal units. However, natural gas is subject to price volatility and supply issues.
In 2007, AEP added 12 gas units with a total capacity of 2,020 MW. These plants will emit approximately 8 million metric tons of CO2 during the next decade, based on projected demand, compared with 16 million metric tons for the equivalent coal-fired production.
