Climate change

Climate change resulting from emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time.

In 2008 Vattenfall adopted a strategic direction that we summarise in three words: Making electricity clean. This is our promise to customers and society, and it entails that we continue reducing the environmental impact of all our operations at the same time that we emphasise the significant role that electricity will play in the sustainable society of tomorrow. An integral part of this strategy is Vattenfall’s climate vision – to be a climate-neutral company by 2050. For 2030 we have set the target of halving our CO2 emissions per kWh from energy generation compared with 1990.

Reducing CO2 emissions

Specific emissions of carbon dioxide (per kWh) from plants currently owned by Vattenfall are 22% lower today than in 1990 for both electricity and heat. However, our plants still emit almost 90 million tonnes each year. When making new investments, the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions is a key consideration.

Vattenfall’s climate vision is to be climate-neutral by 2050. The target is to reduce CO2 emissions by 1.3% in own operations in 2010, corresponding to 1.2 million tonnes. The long-term target is a 50% reduction of CO2 emissions per unit generated electricity and heat in own operations by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. This will be accomplished by developing the generation portfolio towards renewable energy sources, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology and nuclear power and by improving energy efficiency.

Vattenfall’s climate vision

International cooperation

Vattenfall is deeply involved in international climate initiatives, where we are working to bring about a global accord on reducing greenhouse gases. We are promoting a global agreement on the reduction of greenhouse gases through its founding of the Curbing Climate Change (3C) corporate initiative. The 3C Initiative aims at forming a global opinion group that demands the integration of climate issues into the world of markets and trade. 66 global companies and organisations have already joined forces in a common appeal.