Security of supply
Russian gas, offshore wind turbines or a new nuclear power plant? Energy security is not something we can take for granted. To keep the lights on we need to make choices.
Nuon provides millions of customers with energy, day and night. We do this by deploying our own production capacity, purchasing energy and securing access to energy sources.
Investments in large-scale production capacity are needed if we are to secure adequate and affordable power supplies for the next 30 years. In 2007, we began construction of the gas-fired section of Nuon Magnum, the multi-fuel power plant in Eemshaven (Groningen). We obtained more clarity on the licensing process still to be followed for the building work in 2008 and are confident that construction activities can be resumed in 2009.
Nuon has opted for different production methods and fuels. The construction of Nuon Magnum fits in with this strategy. A new power plant takes many years to develop due to the complex laws and regulations, the long tendering process and, of course, the construction itself. During the Nuon Magnum process, Nuon has also found that the construction of new production capacity, and particularly plants that are (partly) coal-fired, can run up against opposition from society. Local residents, environmental groups and politicians all want to have their say, and objections to permit applications lead to construction delays.
But why is there so much debate if this power plant meets all the requirements in terms of flexible electricity supply, clean fossil fuel technology and security of supply? ‘It’s a pretty complicated story,’ says Øystein Løseth. ‘It’s up to us to explain it properly and, if necessary, again and again. The multi-fuel approach combined with CO2 capture is supported in Europe and also has the backing of the Dutch government. But support for a new power plant is just one step, actually developing and building it is another step entirely. I think that we have shown courage in taking the lead in this matter.’
Substantial progress was also made with plans for the development of gas-fired power plants in Germany and Belgium in 2008. We hope to be able to take final investment decisions on these in 2009.