The eight most frequently asked questions about Magnum
1. Why is Nuon building a power plant in the Eemshaven?
The power plant that we are building in the Eemshaven will be able to generate electricity from natural gas, biomass, and coal that has been converted into gas. It is also called a multi-fuel power plant. The power plant is being built in two stages. Currently we are building a unit that is fired by natural gas. In the second stage we will construct a unit in which coal and biomass are first converted into gas. We remove most of the CO2 from that gas prior to combustion. By also co-firing biomass the CO2 emissions are expected to be up to 80% lower than that of traditional coal-fired power plants.
2. Has Nuon suppressed the fact that a power plant is being built in the Eemshaven?
Not at all. Nuon has always been open about it. In the last few years, the general public and organisations have given their opinion on it, both during the formal inquiry procedure and at meetings. A lot has also been written about it in newspapers and other media.
3. Isn’t CO2-capture something for the distant future?
The techniques used for CO2-capture exist already. In countries such as Norway it has been applied in the oil and gas industry since the 1990s. The Norwegian environmental body Bellona is very positive about it. Nuon is starting a CO2-capture pilot in the Buggenum power plant in October.
4. Is Nuon putting the Waddenzee at risk with the new power plant?
The new power plant is being built in Eemshaven, in the province of Groningen. We are taking the environment into account in the construction process, as is our obligation! Nuon sticks to the rules applicable to permits. We are also cooperating actively in the creation of more than 50 hectares of new nature reserve in the Waddenzee. And of course the power plant will be equipped with the most modern techniques for restricting the emission of hazardous substances to a minimum.
5. So doesn’t Nuon see a future for renewable energy?
Nuon is a great believer in the potential of renewable energy. We are keen to make a contribution towards the Dutch climate target. In addition, Nuon wants to make the transition to a CO2-neutral energy supply as soon as possible, by investing in techniques such as CO2-capture as well as in wind, hydro and solar energy. Moreover, we will continue helping our customers to reduce their energy consumption still further.
6. What measures is Nuon taking to restrict the emissions from the new power plant?
In the power plant we are going to make use of the latest techniques for removing CO2 from gas. By co-firing biomass we can reduce the CO2 emissions of the power plant by as much as 80% in comparison with that of traditional coal-fired power plants.
7. Is the new power plant in the Eemshaven compatible with a sustainable future?
At this moment we cannot survive on renewable energy alone. Natural gas and coal will therefore remain necessary for energy generation in the foreseeable future. In the long term Nuon aims to generate all its energy in a sustainable manner. In the meantime we will continue to help our customers save energy.
8. What is the most sustainable energy?
The most sustainable energy is the energy that is not used. That’s why Nuon helps customers to reduce their energy consumption to a minimum.
