Datteln 4 - Kraftwerk Datteln

6
What energy mix makes sense?
We need electricity for most of the things we do every day. But can't we meet all our
energy needs using wind, water and solar energy? No, not reliably enough. Therefore
E.ON relies on a balanced energy mix and invests into the development of innovative,
climate-friendly technologies of the future at the same time.
Energy mix 2009
Power generation in Germany in 2009 currently amounts to a total
of 597 billion kWh
oil/gas 13 %
renewables
and others
22 %
42 % coal
23 %
nuclear
energy
It’s all about the mix
All power generation resources have advantages
and disadvantages. When deciding for or against
a particular energy source, security of supply, price
considerations and environmental sustainability
come into equal play. In our view, it would be
foolish to move away from a balanced energy
mix – at least as long as it remains unclear how
to sensibly replace fossil fuels.
In Germany, E.ON generates in 2009
a total of 112 Mrd. kWh
oil/gas
renewables
and others
4 %
11 %
coal 29 %
Hard coal is and will remain an important energy
source
Hard coal will continue to be an important part
of the energy mix in the future. Experts have calculated
that the worldwide supply of coal will be
enough to meet growing energy needs for several
hundred years, even taking into account the continued
growth of populous countries. In addition
many countries in the world have considerable
coal supplies. This allows them to avoid becoming
dependent – as is the case with oil and gas – on
single regions of the world that may be politically
unstable.
Yet the problem of CO 2 emissions from burning
coal remains. This is why E.ON is focusing on
increasing the energy effi ciency of thermal power
plants like Datteln. Greater effi ciency always leads
to less CO 2 per generated kilowatt hour (KWh).
56 % nuclear
energy