Emissions reduction

Vattenfall is investing continuously to improve the environmental performance of our power plants.

We have virtually eliminated particulates, while SO₂ and NO_X emissions have been significantly reduced through modern technology. The plan now is to do the same with CO₂ emissions through the development of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology.

The most significant environmental impact of Vattenfall’s operations that remains to be handled is CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel combustion in energy generation, both in terms of quantity and their effect on global warming.

Other significant emissions from Vattenfall´s operations are sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates. These emissions have been significantly reduced through modern technology.

Reducing CO₂ emissions

Vattenfall believes that curbing CO₂ emissions will be the largest challenge of our time and a defining issue for the power industry. Therefore, Vattenfall has laid out the strategic direction of reducing emissions from energy generation by developing low CO₂-emitting technologies and reshaping Vattenfall’s energy generation portfolio during the coming 20 years.

By 2020 the Group’s total CO₂ exposure will be reduced 65 million tonnes (corresponding to Vattenfall’s share of ownership in the respectiveplants), compared with 89 million tonnes in 2011.

A number of measures are needed to reduce Vattenfall’s total CO^₂ exposure. Some of these can be implemented within the next few years, such as continued investments in wind power, improving the efficiency of hydro power and increasing co-combustion of biomass in existing coal-fired plants. Other measures will not be possibleuntil the longer term, such as potential acquisitions of hydro power.

Contribution to emission reductions is best measured by the emissions intensity of Vattenfall’s portfolio. Vattenfall’s target is to reduce its CO₂ emissions by 50% by 2030, from 1990 levels. With today’s portfolio, this would correspond to an emissions intensity of 280g CO₂/kWh, though the 50% target will be calculated based on the portfolio we own in 2030, in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. To date Vattenfall has reduced its emissions intensity by 26.3% since 1990, adjusted for changes in the company’s structuresince then.

Other emissions

Other significant emissions from Vattenfall’s operations are sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NO_X) and particles. These emissions are significantly reduced by flue gas cleaning, which has been installed in modern plants.

Small amounts of greenhouse gases other than CO₂, such as nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄), are produced in boilers when any fuel is combusted. Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) is still used in some electrical equipment.

Vattenfall strives to reduce emissions as far as possible by using advanced technologies to keep its emission below national and regional requirements.