Towards a low-emission energy system

Climate change is both a challenge and an opportunity

Our competences and know-how in carbon dioxide-free hydro, nuclear, wind and solar energy, and in energy-efficient combined heat and power (CHP) production are competitive advantages. Greenhouse gases that accelerate global climate change are generated primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels.

The concern about climate change will also increase the demand for low-carbon and energy-efficient energy products and solutions. Our circular economy services also meet this demand, as the use of non-recyclable waste in energy production replaces fossil fuel and reduces the formation of greenhouse gases at landfills.

In Europe, we produce carbon dioxide-free electricity with hydro, nuclear and wind power, and at CHP plants that utilise biomass, bio liquids and waste-derived fuels. Our power production in Russia utilises mainly natural gas. In India, we also produce solar power. We aim for a gigawatt scale in wind and solar energy production.

Carbon dioxide emissions

Our direct carbon dioxide emissions from our entire energy production were about 18.3 million tonnes in 2017. Our specific carbon dioxide emissions from our entire energy production were 184 g/kWh. The specific carbon dioxide emissions from our electricity production in the EU were 28 g/kWh, while including also our Russian power production, they were 174 g/kWh.

Specific CO₂ emissions of major utilities in Europe, gCO₂/kWh electricity, in 2016

The specific carbon dioxide emissions from our power production, measured as gCO₂/kWh, are low compared to other European power producers. Our specific emissions in 2016 were one of the smallest among European major electricity utilities.