Low-emitting technologies

Vattenfall’s environmental strategy is to develop the generation portfolio towards low emitting technologies. Over the next 20 years, the energy system must be further adapted to support sustainable development in society. The challenge is to provide energy with an acceptable environmental impact at prices customers, and society, are willing to pay.

Vattenfall’s long-term investment roadmap represents a transition to new energy sources to ensure future value creation and to reach the tough targets on reducing CO2 emissions. The roadmap for the future generation portfolio comprises an increased diversity in power generation and also reflects Vattenfall’s intentions to grow. The roadmap is an example how Vattenfall’s strategic ambitions are realised and is based on current knowledge and preconditions in terms of cost, environmental impact, society’s confidence and security of supply.

The challenges of investing in new energy

CSR report 2009 (new window)

Renewable energy

Vattenfall is investing heavily to increase the share of renewable energy in our production. Our ambition is to substantially increase our electricity generation derived from wind power, hydro power and biomass-based power. Substantial investments are being made in several areas, above all wind power. Vattenfall is today one of the world´s largest wind power operators.Investments will continue, and by 2030 wind power is expected to have equal weighting in the portfolio with hydro power.

We are continuously upgrading our plants to increase the share of bio-mass-based generation and reduce the share of fossil fuels. The goal is to increase the use of biomass as much as possible within the confines of responsible use. Development of ocean energy continues and is expected to be the next commercial renewable energy technology after wind power.

Vattenfall’s project on CCS – Carbon Capture and Storage

Our CCS project is a major research and development project to develop technologies for capture and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) from coal-fired power plants. The project’s objective is to have a commercial concept ready by 2020. Research and testing is being performed in our full scale pilot plant in Germany.

Nuclear power

Nuclear power generation has very low emissions and plays an important role in our strategy to reduce CO₂ emissions from electricity generation in the markets where it is accepted. Significant investments are being made to further improve operational efficiency and fuel efficiency in the Group’s nuclear plants, thereby reducing environmental impact per generated kWh of electricity. In parallel, continuous efforts are being made to ensure excellence in safety management.