Frequently asked questions

Our goal is to be one of the leading European energy utilities, combining profitability with stability. We will realise this goal by focussing on the European energy and gas markets. We cover all of the major stages of the energy value chain. In the field of electricity, we are not simply a generator, but a trader, network operator and sales company as well. We are also active at all value-creation stages in the gas sector, from the well to the end customer. Thanks to this structure, we can flexibly offset market fluctuations in individual areas.

The regional focus of our activities is and will remain Europe. Among our core markets are Germany, the United Kingdom, the Benelux countries as well as Central Eastern and South Eastern Europe.

We can only be successful in the long run if we manage to provide affordable, safe and environmentally friendly energy. Lowering carbon dioxide emissions is among our prime strategic targets. It provides the direction for the modernisation and expansion of our generation portfolio. Furthermore, by spending heavily on networks and pipelines, we are making a contribution to ensuring the reliable supply of electricity and gas. Another pillar of our strategy is the expansion of our gas and oil production. In addition, we want to give our activities a stronger regional diversification. The following guidelines will determine our action in the next few years:

• Improving our CO₂ emissions balance: Our current new-build power plant programme, which is in the last third of its implementation phase, will make a substantial contribution to reducing our carbon footprint. Our medium-term reduction target orientates itself towards the average carbon emissions per megawatt hour (MWh) of generated electricity. Our goal is to use physical and financial measures to lower our CO₂ intensity to the average level of the competition in our markets no later than 2020.
• Value-added growth by expanding our renewable energy business: RWE Innogy wants to enlarge its renewable electricity generation base substantially. The aim is to have 4.5 gigawatts (GW) under construction or in operation by 2014. The majority of the funds are earmarked for onshore and offshore wind projects. We are also investing in the production of electricity and heat from biomass and are investigating the construction of new hydroelectric power plants.
• Strengthening of our upstream position: We want our annual gas and oil production to reach about 70 million barrels of oil equivalent by 2016. As a result, we would produce more than twice as much gas and oil as in the financial year just ended.
• Stronger international diversification: In view of mounting location-related risks, it is becoming increasingly important to give our company a large regional footprint. Over two thirds of our growth investments are already being made abroad. In 2010, the share of the operating result achieved by our activities outside Germany amounted to about a quarter. We aim to increase it significantly over the medium term.

To the corporate strategy of the RWE Group

In the fiscal year 1998/1999, the RWE Group changed from HGB (German Commercial Code) accounting standards to International Accounting Standards (IAS / IFRS). Since January 1, 2004, we have been applying the revised standards IFRS 3 and IAS 36 / IAS 38 to account for business combinations. Application of these standards is mandatory from 2005 at the latest.