Environmental protection

We have already written in detail about the efforts we undertake to reduce the effects our electricity generation has on the climate. Environmental protection has a number of additional facets that are factored into our decision-making and work processes–related to both the planning of new projects and the operation of our plants. We are extremely careful to take necessary environmental action when carrying out these projects and do so over long periods of time. In 2008, we were able to start expanding the lignite opencast mine in Hambach, Germany, (near Cologne) towards the southwest, after a planning and approval process lasting more than 20 years. We complied with all requirements and limits when operating our plants in the year under review. This is crucial to avoiding interruptions in our processes and maintaining public acceptance. Action we take to conserve nature and landscapes largely comprises the recultivation of lignite opencast mining sites. In addition, when laying and designing power lines, we ensure that any intrusion into the natural surroundings is kept to a minimum. This also applies to our upstream operations, e.g., the production of oil in the German mudflats, which is classified as environmentally sound by nature protection associations. In the 2008 financial year, we spent a total of €2,115 million on environmental protection. This was 19 % more than in 2007 (€1,771 million). These figures include climate-related measures, which accounted for more than half of the outlay. In addition to operating costs incurred, some of our capital expenditure was devoted to environmental protection. The highlight is our programme for the modernization of existing, and the replacement of old, power plants in Germany and the strong rise in investment in renewable energies.