HSE Annual Report 2010 (English) - WINTERSHALL

ENvIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
2010 AT A GLANCE.
WINGAS: COMPENSATION FOR OPAL.
As compensation for land-use through construction of the Baltic Sea Pipeline Link (OPAL), a multi million
euro sum is being invested to expand, maintain and care for areas of ecological value. In Brandenburg
alone, some 280 hectares have been converted into semi-natural biotopes, including reforestation of an
area of just under 90 hectares. The diversity of heathlands is to be fostered over around 40 hectares,
while a further 40 hectares will be turned into forest monocultures. In addition, hedges and tree rows
will be planted, wetland biotopes created and the renaturation of watercourses supported.
WINGAS SOMETIMES TAKES A DETOUR IN CONSTRUCTING PIPELINES.
In order to protect an oak at least 200 years old and with a diameter of 1.6 meters that was in the
planned path of OPAL, the gas pipeline was diverted around the tree and the adjacent small pond.
WINGAS: ECO GAS WITH A POSITIvE CO ² BALANCE.
Since October 2010, Wintershall’s subsidiary WINGAS has been offering eco gas, i.e. CO ² -neutral
natural gas. As a result, customers can completely offset the greenhouse gases emitted during the
burning process. The emissions are compensated by CO ² reductions in climate protection projects.
The projects are chosen in accordance with strict international quality criteria, such as those of the
Gold Standard. These are accepted by environmental organizations like the WWF. The certificates,
which are acknowledged and inspected by independent bodies such as the UN Climate Secretariat in
Bonn, are purchased by WINGAS and then taken off the market and deleted. The emission-reducing
processes are regularly monitored by recognized organizations such as Germany’s technical inspection
association TÜv.
WINGAS: BIOGAS IN THE PORTFOLIO.
WINGAS’ eco gas portfolio is also complemented by biogas. WINGAS cooperates with farmers who
supply the company with biogas under long-term contracts. Mixing in biogas can further improve natural
gas’ excellent CO ² values. In accordance with the Federal German Government’s targets, by 2020, six
billion cubic meters of biogas are to be fed into the German natural gas pipeline network each year.
HEALTH SAFETY ENVIRONMENT 2010