Research and development activities (EU7)
Vattenfall’s research and development (R&D) is distinctively directed towards supporting the Group’s strategic ambitions and contributing to reductions in CO2 emissions and an increased share of renewable fuels in the generation mix. The company’s R&D focuses on improving energy efficiency in all segments of the value chain for energy supply – from fuel extraction, generation, and transmission to end uses of electricity and heat, including fuels for transportation. In addition, R&D work aims to prepare the company to meet new requirements, to address new business opportunities and to devise future energy solutions and thereby guide the company in its long-term strategies. R&D is also an important link between Vattenfall at present and the company’s strategic ambition of Continued Profitable Growth, both through acquisitions and organic growth.
The joint-Group R&D operations are aimed at long-term and visionary disciplines and topics of shared importance within the Group. Progress in technological development is introduced on a larger scale in operations when permitted by the commercial conditions. The two most important strategies for Vattenfall’s long-term R&D and demonstration activities are climate change abatement and the role of the energy sector in the conversion to a long-term sustainable society.
Vattenfall is not a research and development company in the traditional sense, since does not develop equipment, but sets requirements and finds intelligent uses of equipment in energy systems. In some cases and under special conditions, Vattenfall co-operates with equipment suppliers in joint development projects.
To support Vattenfall’s strategic ambitions and to help the Group achieve its long-term goals, R&D activities are performed in joint-Group R&D programmes. In 2008, R&D expenditures amounted to SEK 1,700 million, broken down among the various programmes as follows: renewables (10%), operational efficiency (8%), nuclear power (30%), energy efficiency (7%), Carbon Capture and Storage (43%) and new technologies (2%).
