Coal is an essential part of our future energy mix. RWE is committed to the responsible use of fossil energy sources in both ecological and economical terms. That is why RWE has launched a project to develop and build an IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle) coal-fired power plant with carbon capture and storage (CCS). This project is an important contribution to achieving the goals of climate protection as the CO₂ which is captured and stored is not released to the atmosphere. RWE thus invests in an innovative technology for a climate-friendly coal-based power generation which is to bridge the time until renewable energy technologies will provide a real alternative to fossil energy sources worldwide.

Situated right in the middle of the Rhenish lignite-mining district, the Hürth near Cologne offers an ideal location for the new IGCC power plant. This plant is due to be commissioned at the end of 2014 / beginning of 2015.

A key element of this innovative project is the planned climate protection pipeline which is needed to transport the captured CO₂ safely to the reservoir sites. It is the only transport option to provide a direct connection between the Hürth power plant and the planned storage reservoir in Schleswig-Holstein - avoiding unnecessary reloading, noise pollution and increased traffic. Thus, it is the safest and most reliable way of transport with the lowest energy consumption. The underground pipeline will transport the non-toxic and non-explosive gas from the Hürth power plant in North Rhine-Westphalia through Lower-Saxony to the storage reservoir in Schleswig-Holstein. RWE Dea, a company of the RWE Group, is responsible for the planning and construction of the pipeline as well as for the safe underground storage of CO₂. For RWE Dea, the protection of man and the environment has top priority, as has compliance with all safety requirements during the construction and operation of the climate protection pipeline and the CO₂ storage site. In fact, the pipeline will keep a sufficient distance to residential areas to minimise the impact on the population.

Before construction can start, the project will go through a number of licensing procedures during which the pipeline route is defined. As soon as these procedures are completed, pipeline construction will commence. The pipeline is due to be commissioned at the end of 2014 / beginning of 2015.

Facts about the Climate Protection Pipeline: