Electrabel Activities Report 2008 by The Crew Communication

THE STORY BEHIND THE FIGURES ACTIVITIES REPORT 2008

Electrabel Activities report 2008

CONTENT 02 SERVING 03 Preface 05

A bit of history

Management bodies

08 LEADING 10 Part of a world leader in energy 12

Market leader in the Benelux

14 PRODUCING 16 Historical energy producer and supplier in Belgium 19

Electricity and natural gas for 5.6 million customers

Diversified generating facilities of 11 500 MW

Trading and portfolio management

24 CHALLENGING 26 Sustainable energy production and supply 27

Sustainable energy production 27 Renewable energy for 1 million households by 2015 30 Use continuously less fuel 31 Reducing global environmental impact

Sustainable energy supply 34 Saving up to 30% on energy consumption

and own CO2 -free production 36 250 000 customers opt for green energy 37

Research and innovation, essential links

38 INSPIRING 40 Social involvement

Electrabel, Activities report 2008 “The story behind the figures” reflects Electrabel’s position within the GDF SUEZ Group. The report describes the company’s activities and its most important core figures in Belgium. The details relate to the year 2008, except for the figures on the production capacity reflecting the situation mid-2009 after the exchange of generation assets with E.ON.

Active player on the job market

Opportunities for employees

Support integration on the job market

Safety, always a priority

Improving relationships with stakeholders

Partnerships in solidarity and environmental protection

Exemplary function

46 APPENDICES

Electrabel Activities report 2008

A company at the service of the public This Activities Report marks the beginning of a new era in the history of Electrabel, as it is the first such report since the merger between GDF and SUEZ went ahead on 22 July 2008. The merger, which saw the emergence of a world player in energy, has brought many changes for our company, both operational and organizational. In the course of this report, the reader will become acquainted with the Electrabel of today, its position within the GDF SUEZ Group, its prospects and ambitions. GDF SUEZ is organized into six business lines, of which GDF SUEZ Energy Europe & International is one. This business line comprises five business areas that are demarcated geographically. Electrabel develops many important activities within the GDF SUEZ Energy Benelux & Germany business area. Electrabel is also the brand name under which the Group positions itself as a producer of electricity and a seller of electricity and natural gas in the Benelux. On this market, we have

SERVING 8 750 ELECTRABEL EMPLOYEES SIX MILLION CUSTOMERS

supply electricity and natural gas daily to

nearly 9 000 employees, generating capacity of nearly 16 000 MW and more than 6 million industrial, business and residential customers. In this environment that is experiencing deep-going changes, our company has many advantages to offer. To begin with, our operational excellence: members of staff who, each day afresh, put their know-how and experience at the disposal of our customers, and who enjoy impressive opportunities for personal and career development within GDF SUEZ. Furthermore, we have balanced, diversified and efficient generating facilities, recently augmented with new gas-fired power stations in Belgium and the Netherlands. On top of this, there are currently large coal-fired power stations, cogeneration units and biomass units under construction in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Lastly, there are our customers, to whom we offer solutions that are ever more finely tuned to their requirements, and who have placed their confidence in us over the years.

Electrabel Activities report 2008

Let us be clear: Belgium can no longer be consi-

plan, we have made various commitments. To

dered as an isolated market for electricity. Our

invest in renewable energy sources so as to supply

country, along with the Netherlands, Germany

1 million households with green energy by the year

and France, forms the “electricity hub” of North-

2015. To further improve the environmental perfor-

West Europe, where electricity prices are con-

mance of our conventional generating facilities by,

verging to a large extent. It is, therefore, only to

among other things, making our carbon footprint

be expected that GDF SUEZ approaches its

even smaller and reducing polluting emissions

investments and manages its facilities in a global

even more. And, lastly, to cut down the CO2 emis-

way within this integrated market, especially wit-

sions of our day-to-day activities other than electri-

hin the Benelux-Germany region.

city generation. However, it doesn’t stop there, as we have invited our industrial, business and resi-

Nevertheless, this report focuses mainly on giving

dential customers to join us in this project.

a detailed picture of our positions and activities in Belgium. This is a deliberate choice on our part:

The first results are more than encouraging. In

Belgium is the country in which we have our roots,

2008, we invested € 250 million in reducing our

and, mindful of the Group’s history, we still have

CO2 emissions, structurally avoiding emissions of

considerable market share there.

456 000 tonnes of CO2 as a result. In addition, we have increased the proportion of renewable

However, our market share in Belgium has been

energy sources in our generating mix and produ-

reduced as a result of various initiatives by the

ced 1.9 TWh of electricity that is 100% renewable

Group to open up the Belgian market to new

and 100% Belgian - enough to supply more than

operators. We currently hold about 65% of the

530 000 households. And, when it comes to our

market for electricity generation. This development

day-to-day activities, we are already a quarter of

– which is mainly symbolic, as national figures do

the way towards our goal. All these efforts have

not mean much on the unified market – does not

not gone unnoticed by our customers: in the

alter the Group’s overall position. It mainly reflects

space of six months, nearly 250 000 residential

The

the capacity swap agreement with the E.ON Group,

customers have opted for our GreenPlus pro-

was established on 8 August 1905, called

under which the capacity that we have ceded in

duct, making Electrabel the largest green energy

‘Electriciteitsmaatschappij der Schelde (Société

Belgium is offset by new capacity acquired in

supplier in the country.

d’Électricité de l’Escaut)’.

A BIT OF HISTORY public

limited

company

Electrabel

energy group, Unerg, came into existence in 1976. On 10 July 1990, the exceptional general assembly of Ebes and Intercom authorized a

Germany. On the completion of this operation, GDF SUEZ has 10% of the market for electricity

Now, we have to continue these efforts. We must

In 1956, the Electriciteitsmaatschappij der

regrouping into a single private company,

generation in the Benelux-Germany region.

not allow the current economic and financial crisis

Schelde merged with three other companies

whereby Unerg’s activities could be incorpo-

to knock us off course. GDF SUEZ will continue to

and the ‘Verenigde Energiebedrijven van het

rated over time. Several smaller businesses

For Electrabel in Belgium, the past few months

invest and recruit in order to meet these challen-

Scheldeland’, abbreviated as Ebes, came into

were also involved in this operation. The name

also saw the introduction of an ambitious plan for

ges, along with its customers, both in Belgium and

existence.

Ebes was changed to Electrabel at this stage.

combating climate change under the slogan

in all the other markets where we are present.

“Together for less CO2”. Under the terms of this

Brussels, September 2009

The company’s activities –energy sales, elecBy this time, after numerous mergers, the ‘Société

tricity production and network exploitation

Intercommunale Belge d’Électricité’, or Intercom,

(distribution and transmission)– were then lim-

established in 1901, had grown into one of the

ited to Belgium.

most important energy companies in Belgium. By the end of the 90s, the company’s activities, Sophie Dutordoir Director – General Manager

Jean-Pierre Hansen Chief Executive Officer

In addition, the fusion of further energy

to which the energy trading then belonged,

companies ensured that a third large private

achieved a European dimension. Electrabel

Electrabel Activities report 2008

established subsidiaries in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal,

Electrabel

Poland, Hungary and Germany and entered into partnerships with local energy companies. The

MANAGEMENT BODIES

company developed into a European player which carried its operational and commercial activities

Board of Directors

Strategy Committee

Joint statutory auditors

Chairman:

DELOITTE Company auditors

Jean-François CIRELLI

Jean-Pierre HANSEN

out mainly under the Electrabel brand name. On 10 July 2007, SUEZ, an important immediate

Represented by: Laurent BOXUS and

and indirect shareholder for many years, became 100% owner of the company after a

Chief Executive Officer

Members:

Philip MAEYAERT

public squeeze-out bid on the Electrabel-shares

and Vice-Chairman:

Jean-François CIRELLI

Company auditors

it did not as yet own. The Electrabel share

Jean-Pierre HANSEN

Gérard MESTRALLET Emmanuel van INNIS

was therefore withdrawn from the Euronext

ERNST & YOUNG Company auditors

Brussels stock exchange after a listing of

Vice-Chairmen:

Alain CHAIGNEAU

Represented by:

seventeen years.

Gérard MESTRALLET

Jean-Marie DAUGER

Pierre ANCIAUX and

Emmanuel van INNIS

Gérard LAMARCHE

Vincent ETIENNE

Baron VANDEPUTTE

Company auditors

On 24 July that same year, Electrabel took over SUEZ’s participation in SUEZ-TRACTEBEL

Directors:

–this entailed, amongst other things, SUEZ’s

Dirk BEEUWSAERT

international energy activities– whereby the

Alain CHAIGNEAU

company’s horizons expanded across many

Baron CROES

continents.

Jean-Marie DAUGER

Chairman:

Pierre DRION

Baron CROES

Baron VAN WAEYENBERGE Audit Committee

The Gaz de France and SUEZ general share-

Sophie DUTORDOIR

holders’ meetings approved the merger of both

Yves de GAULLE

Members:

groups on 16 July 2008. The establishment of the

Baron van GYSEL de MEISE

Gérard LAMARCHE

international energy company GDF SUEZ was ac-

Luc HUJOEL

Jean-Pierre RUQUOIS

companied by a new organization that reclassified

Gérard LAMARCHE

and regrouped the activities of both groups.

Jean-Pierre RUQUOIS

Appointment and

Baroness VAN den BERGHE

Remuneration Committee

The public limited company Electrabel continued

Baron VANDEPUTTE

to exist as a separate legal entity, with a range of

Baron VAN WAEYENBERGE

Chairman:

direct and indirect participations in subsidiaries

Geert VERSNICK

Gérard MESTRALLET

ties carried out under the brand name Electrabel,

Secretary to the Board:

Members:

GDF SUEZ Group, were, from that moment on-

Patrick van der BEKEN PASTEEL

Baroness VAN den BERGHE

within and outside Europe. However, the activi-

wards, limited to the Benelux region.

Baron VANDEPUTTE

1 The Board of Directors has delegated the operational management of the company to the Chief Executive Officer and sufficient special authority to enable him to carry out operational management duties.

Electrabel Activities report 2008 | LEADING

LEADING | Electrabel Activities report 2008

01LEADING

Being part of the world-wide energy group GDF SUEZ gives Electrabel powerful trump cards to develop its energy activities in the Benelux. As the market leader, the company sold

97 000 GWh OF ELECTRICITY AND 72 000 GWh OF NATURAL GAS in this region in 2008

10 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | LEADING

LEADING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 11

Part of a WORLD LEADER IN ENERGY

GDF SUEZ: organization

GDF SUEZ

Electrabel forms part of GDF SUEZ, one of

The GDF SUEZ Energy Benelux & Germany

the leading energy providers in the world,

business area is responsible for the production

active across the entire energy value chain,

of electricity and the sale of electricity, natural

in electricity and natural gas, upstream to

gas and energy services in Belgium, the

downstream.

Netherlands,

Luxembourg

and

Germany,

Energy France

Energy Europe & International

Global Gas & LNG

Infrastructures

Energy Services

Energy Benelux & Germany

Energy Europe

Energy Latin America

Energy North America

Energy Middle East, Asia & Africa

SUEZ Environnement

where it is also responsible for portfolio The GDF SUEZ Group develops its businesses

management. In the Benelux, where the Group

(energy, energy services and environment) around

wants to consolidate market leadership, the

a responsible-growth model to take up the great

operational tasks are carried out by and under

challenges: responding to energy needs, fighting

the brand name Electrabel, GDF SUEZ Group

against climate change and maximizing the use

(in Luxembourg, electricity production takes

of resources. The Group relies on diversified

place under the brand name Twinerg, GDF

supply sources, as well as flexible and highly

SUEZ Group). In Germany, where GDF SUEZ

efficient power generation, in order to provide

Energie Deutschland is responsible for the

Electricity : No.1 independent producer

Liquefied natural gas (LNG):

innovative energy solutions to individuals, cities

activities under the brand name GDF SUEZ, the

in the world

No.1 in the world

and businesses.

Group aims to further develop its activities and

• 5th largest producer and marketer in Europe

reinforce its position. Major industrial customers The GDF SUEZ Group is organized into six business

active in multiple countries are supplied under

lines: five in energy and one in environment.

the brand name GDF SUEZ Global Energy.

The business line GDF SUEZ Energy Europe &

GDF SUEZ: key ﬁgures 2008

• 1 in Belgium, 2 in France

• 1st buyer and importer in Europe • 2nd largest LNG terminal operator in Europe • 1st importer in the United States

Natural gas and infrastructures: No.1 in Europe st

International comprises five business areas that

• 1 gas buyer in Europe

are demarcated geographically.

• 1st transmission and distribution network

Energy Services: No. 1 in Europe • 1st supplier of energy efficiency and environmental services in Europe

• 2 largest storage operator Environmental Services: No. 2 in the world • 2nd supplier of water and waste management services in the world

200 000 employees throughout the world incl. 134 600 in energy and energy services and 65 400 in environment 68 400 MW of installed power-production capacity € 83.1 billion in 2008 revenues 1 200 researchers and experts at 8 research & development centres

12 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | LEADING

LEADING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 13

Electrabel in Benelux: key ﬁgures

MARKET LEADER IN THE BENELUX In this market, the company sells electricity, natural gas, energy products and energy services to

• largest electricity producer in Belgium

residential, professional and industrial customers and

• largest electricity supplier in Belgium

public institutions. It also generates electricity and

• second largest natural gas supplier in Belgium

heat in a diversified production park. These activities

• largest producer and supplier

are supported and optimized by portfolio management

of green electricity in Belgium

and trading operations of the GDF SUEZ Group on

• largest electricity producer in the Netherlands

the European and international energy markets. Electrabel supplies electricity and natural gas to six million customers in the Benelux. It sold 97 400 GWh of electricity and 72 000 GWh of natural gas on this market in 2008. The company offers its customers

Business area GDF SUEZ Energy Benelux & Germany : key ﬁgures 9 150 employees 4 million electricity customers 2.2 million natural gas customers 113 000 GWh of electricity sales* 76 000 GWh of natural gas sales* 17 950 MW of generating capacity *includes sales of 5 TWh electricity and 0.5 TWh natural gas outside the area

8 750 employees 3.9 million electricity customers 2.15 million natural gas customers 97 400 GWh of electricity sales 72 000 GWh of natural gas sales 16 000 MW of generating capacity

Germany Electricity sales: 10 684 GWh Natural gas sales: 3 417 GWh Generating capacity: 1 977 MW Capacity renewable energy: 15 MW Employees: 395

innovative energy solutions with added value and a customized service. To develop energy products and services, it gets the most out of the synergy between electricity and natural gas offered by the GDF SUEZ Group. The

company

manages

diversified

The Netherlands Electricity sales: 23 307 GWh Natural gas sales: 13 303 GWh Generating capacity: 4 067 MW* Capacity renewable energy: 71 MW Employees: 1 184

generating

facilities of 16 000 MW in the Benelux. They consist of power stations using renewable energy sources,

* This ﬁgure takes into account 270 MW of drawing rights at disposal of E.ON (see page 17)

power stations working on fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal, pumped storage power stations

Belgium

and nuclear power stations. Electrabel continuously

Electricity sales: 70 022 GWh Natural gas sales: 58 690 GWh Generating capacity: 11 532 MW Capacity renewable energy: 410 MW Employees: 7 548

invests in upgrading its existing generating facilities and the building of new production units, whereby a lot of attention is given to renewable energy sources and low-carbon production methods. The emission of greenhouse gases by the production park is one of the lowest in Europe. New development projects in Belgium (Amercoeur CCGT-power station, 420 MW;

Luxembourg Electricity sales: Generating capacity: Employees:

4 092 GWh 376 MW 21

Sidmar conventional power station, 305 MW …) and in the Netherlands (Flevo CCGT-power station, 872 MW; high-yield coal power station in Rotterdam, 736 MW …) ensure that Electrabel has sufficient generating capacity in the Benelux and maintains a balance between its sales and production portfolio. Electrabel has 8 750 employees in the Benelux region. The company is constantly recruiting new employees and offers numerous opportunities to enable them to build a challenging and enriching career within the international GDF SUEZ Group.

Executive committee The Group’s energy activities in the GDF SUEZ Energy Benelux & Germany business area are conducted under the leadership of Sophie Dutordoir, Chief Executive Officer, who chairs the meetings of the Executive Committee. This Committee groups the managers of the operational and functional departments. It is composed as follows (situation at 20 July 2009): Patrick Baeten: Legal affairs, Alfred Becquaert : HR & IT, Eric Bosman: Portfolio Management, Chris De Groof: Strategy and Sustainable Development, Sophie Dutordoir: CEO, Fernand Grifnée: Communications, Jean-Pierre Hansen: Chief Executive Officer Electrabel, Alfred Hofman: The Netherlands and Germany, Marc Josz: Marketing & Sales Belgium and Luxembourg, Louis Martens: Finance, Michel Sirat: TPM Europe, Philippe Van Troeye : Generation Belgium and Luxembourg

14 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | PRODUCING

PRODUCING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 15

02PRODUCING The market leadership of Electrabel has grown historically. To date, the company remains the

LARGEST PRODUCER AND SUPPLIER OF ELECTRICITY IN BELGIUM. 70% OF USERS choose Electrabel as energy supplier

16 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | PRODUCING

Historical ENERGY PRODUCER AND SUPPLIER in Belgium Electrabel is the historical producer and

independent businesses. Electrabel also contri-

supplier of energy in Belgium. The company

buted to a better competitive position of other

can boast more than a centuryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience in

electricity producers on the Belgian market, by

generating and selling energy. Today, it is the

exchanging and providing a part of its genera-

largest supplier of electricity in the country,

ting capacity.

the second largest supplier of natural gas and the largest producer of electricity. Following the liberalization of the energy mar-

Contributing to more competition in the area

form of drawing rights on the Doel and Tihange

kets, the company completely dismantled and

of production

nuclear power stations (of which 270 MW are

transferred its earlier operational distribution

In 2009, the electricity producers SPE and

supplied in the Netherlands). In exchange, the

and transmission network activities in Belgium

E.ON acquired approximately 2 000 MW of the

GDF SUEZ Group acquired approximately

in the period 2001-2008 to newly established

generating capacity from Electrabel, whereby the

1 700 MW of generating capacity in Germany

competition on the energy market significantly

whereby it has better balanced its sales and

increased in Belgium. This operation constituted

production portfolio on the German energy

a part of the commitments that the GDF SUEZ

market and strengthened its market position.

Electrabel in Belgium: key figures

Environment

Sales

Share of generating capacity CO 2 emission-free

Electricity sales

70 000 GWh

Natural gas sales

58 700 GWh

Electricity customers

3.7 million

Natural gas customers

1.9 million

Generation Generating capacity

11 532 MW

Electricity generation

65 000 GWh

Heat generation

6 250 GWh

Renewable energy Generating capacity

410 MW

Share in total generating capacity

3.6%

Share in total electricity generation

2.9%

52.8%

the merger announced between GDF and SUEZ.

Share of electricity generation CO 2 emission-free

64.2%

The share of the company in generating capacity

Emission of CO 2

209 g/kWh

in Belgium, which amounted to approximately

Emission of SO 2

109 mg/kWh

83% at the end of 2008, will therefore fall to

Emission of NOx

151 mg/kWh

64% in 2010.

Share in generating capacity in Belgium in % Others Electrabel

Management Share of generating capacity certified ISO/EMAS* Share of electricity generation certified ISO/EMAS*

SPE, the second largest electricity producer 89.1%

in Belgium, which already owned a share of 161.5 MW in the capacity of the Doel and

89.7%

Tihange nuclear power stations, acquired addi-

-( +)

tional nuclear power of 350 MW. The German power company E.ON acquired 941 MW of Electrabelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production means by purchasing the Langerlo conventional power

Staff Employees

Group and Electrabel made in 2006 following

7 548

* power stations operated by Electrabel

station and the Vilvoorde CCGT power station, as well as 770 MW of nuclear capacity in the

'%%-

'%&%

18 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | PRODUCING

Energy

distribution

PRODUCING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 19

and

transmission

These businesses operate on behalf of the

ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS FOR 5.6 MILLION CUSTOMERS

independent

distribution system operators (DSOs, the for-

The liberalization of the energy market in

mer intermunicipal companies) which were

Belgium led to the unbundling of the production

appointed for the exploitation, the mainte-

and sales activities, on the one hand, and the

nance and the development of the distribution

Electrabel sells electricity and natural gas to

67.9% for electricity and 70.2% for natural gas

net activities, on the other. In 2001, Electrabel

networks. A similar operation followed later in

5.6 million residential, professional and in-

(figures at the end of 2008, expressed in total

transferred its former activities in the area of

Wallonia. In that region, the Opérateur des

dustrial customers in Belgium.

number supply points; source: CREG).

the high voltage network for electricity to the

Réseaux Gaz & Électricité (ORES) has been in

newly established company Elia. Its activities

charge of managing the distribution networks

In 2008, the sales volumes, wholesale included,

advise customers, as well as to answer their

with regard to the electricity and natural gas dis-

from 2009. The minority shares that Electrabel

amounted to 70 TWh of electricity (28% re-

questions. The website www.electrabel.be

tribution networks in Flanders and in Brussels

still has in Elia and in the distribution system op-

tail, 64% business and 8% wholesale) and

provides –in addition to information on the

were taken over in 2006 by Eandis and Brussels

erators will be phased out gradually.

58.7 TWh of natural gas (68% retail, 29%

products on offer– numerous practical tools to

business and 3% wholesale). The sales vol-

limit energy consumption, to consult invoices,

umes of the company depend on the size of

to accomplish formalities, for example, when

its customer portfolio, the general economic

relocating… (see page 34). The call centre,

situation which specifically influences industri-

that the company has expanded since 1999,

al customers’ energy consumption, the harsh-

now employs almost a thousand. In 2008, 279

ness of the winter months and customers’ ef-

new staff were hired to reinforce the services.

Network Operations (BNO) respectively. Organization of the net activities in Belgium Activity

Body in charge

Electricity transmission*

Elia

Electricity and natural gas distribution in Flanders

Executor

Shares that Electrabel has in the capital

Elia

24.35% in Elia

Distribution system operators**

Eandis

30% in the mixed DSOs

Electricity and natural gas distribution in Brussels

Sibelga

BNO

30% in Sibelga

Electricity and natural gas distribution in Wallonia

Distribution system operators**

ORES

30% in the mixed DSOs

The transmission of natural gas is undertaken by the company Fluxys (Electrabel has a 44.75% share via SUEZ-TRACTEBEL). ** The previous intermunicipal companies were appointed as distribution system operators.

Electrabel uses various channels to inform and

forts to make rational use of energy.

With the same purpose, Electrabel started

In Flanders, where the energy markets have

establishing new contact points in the big cities.

been completely free since 1 July 20 0 3,

In 2009, it is opening the first ‘Electrabel shops’

Electrabel has a market share of 66.9% for

in Antwerp and Brussels. In 2010, a third will

electricity and 69.7% for natural gas. In Wallonia

open its doors in Namur. The shops supplement

and Brussels, where the energy markets have

its network of existing offices, for example, at

only been open for all users since 1 January

De Post/La Poste. Industrial customers are

2007, its market share amounts to respectively

invited to contact their account manager. The

60.2% and 94.6% for electricity and 55.9% and

company

94.1% for natural gas. The market share of the

partners who are all specialists in their energy

company in Belgium as a whole amounted to

domain.

Electricity sales by Electrabel in Belgium in TWh - wholesale included

Natural gas sales by Electrabel in Belgium in TWh - wholesale included

,(#*

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works

together

,(#*

*,#(

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with

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'%%,

*-#,

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accredited

20 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | PRODUCING

PRODUCING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 21

The electricity and natural gas prices in

All information on the price formulae offered by

Belgium

Electrabel to its customers can be found on the

The electricity and natural gas prices for residential

website www.electrabel.be.

DIVERSIFIED GENERATING FACILITIES OF 11 500 MW

customers in Belgium are compiled from various components: the energy price, the distribution

For industrial customers, the wholesale prices

In Belgium, Electrabel has a generating

cycle gas turbine technology. In the past 10 years,

and transmission charges and the surcharges

on the electricity markets –the Benelux, France

capacity of 11 532 MW. The composition

the company has built six CCGT-power stations

and the VAT. Like all energy suppliers, Electrabel

and Germany forms one integrated wholesale

of the production park is an example of the

in Belgium.

only determines the energy price component,

market– determine the most important price

GDF SUEZ Group strategy of having a diversified

which forms approximately half of the total price

trends. These depend on, amongst other things,

park in the area of technology and fuels.

for electricity and two-thirds for natural gas. This

trends in fuel prices, the CO 2 price and the

price component strongly depends (especially for

balance between supply and demand.

natural gas) on the fuel costs on the international markets (coal, natural gas, fuel oil) which can rise and fall considerably at short notice. These fluctuations are then reflected –with some delay– in the electricity and natural gas prices for the

Composition of electricity and natural gas prices for residential customers in Belgium in % - year 2008 - distribution system operator IMEWO - electricity 3 500 kWh/year - natural gas 23 250 kWh/year

The importance of renewable energy sources (wind energy, hydroelectric energy, biomass, solar

The generating facilities must offer an answer

energy) in Electrabel’s production park increases

to today’s energy-challenges. This consists of

every year. In five years’ time, the company tripled

securing a guaranteed supply for customers, at

its renewable capacity in Belgium from 140 MW

economically acceptable and stable conditions

to 410 MW. By 2015, Electrabel aims to have

and with respect for the environment, and

sufficient capacity to supply 1 million households

in particular climate change.

completely with green electricity.

The company manages its generating facilities

In 2008, Electrabel’s power stations produced

dynamically. It continuously undertakes moder-

65 000 GWh of electricity and 6 254 GWh

nization using the most energy-efficient and least

of heat. 64.2% of the electricity generation

environmentally taxing techniques.

occurred without CO2 emissions. The quantity

customer. In 2008, the increase in fuel prices, which continued from mid-2007 to the first half of the year, along with the increased network tariffs,

VAT, surcharges Transmission Distribution Energy (includes for natural gas the transmission costs)

of carbon dioxide that the park emits per

caused an increase of up to 20-25% in electricity prices and of up to 40% in natural gas prices. The fall in fuel prices in the second half of the year only had a positive effect on the energy price component in 2009 due to the lagged effect.

'&#( )#+ ''#+

&.#'

52.8% of the capacity of the park in Belgium

produced kilowatt-hour is among the lowest in

&,#)

consists of CO 2 -free power stations (nuclear

Europe (see page 29).

+(#)

power stations, pumped storage power stations,

*&#*

renewable energy) and 23% of CO2 -poor

A similar, inverse, mechanism takes place with

power stations (natural gas-fired CCGT-units and

price increases as a result of an increase in fuel

combined heat and power).

prices.

:aZXig^X^in

Generating capacity of Electrabel in Belgium in GW &(#&

CVijgVa \Vh

&'#.

&(#( &&#*

Electrabel has over forty years’ experience with nuclear power and is one of the most important operators in Europe in this field. In Belgium, it Electricity and fuel market prices January 2007 = 100

has seven nuclear reactors in Doel and Tihange. These have a total capacity of 5 865 MW and Coal (API#2) Natural gas (Grp) Oil (Brent IPE) Electricity (baseload, Y+1)

250 200 150 100 50

Belgium. '%%+

The company also heads the pack in the area of cogeneration: its generating capacity in Belgium

0 January 2007

ensure 54% of the total electricity production in

comprises of more than 750 MW that was July 2007

January 2008

July 2008

January 2009

July 2009

mostly established in cooperation with its industrial customers. Electrabel has also acquired important knowledge concerning the combined

'%%,

'%%- B^Y"'%%.

The important drop in 2009 is the result of handing over capacity to SPE and E.ON (see page 17)

22 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | PRODUCING

Generating facilities of Electrabel in Belgium conventional power stations, CCGT, combined heat and power, nuclear power stations – mid-2009 Zandvliet Power Herdersbrug

Doel Rodenhuize

Mol Kallo

Drogenbos Ruien Awirs Amercoeur

Saint-Ghislain

Coo

Tihange

Plate Taille

CCGT Combined heat and power Conventional power station Nuclear power station Pumped storage power station

Share of power stations in Electrabel's generating capacity in Belgium mid-2009

Share of power stations in Electrabel’s electricity generation in Belgium 2008 %#(

&&#( &#& (#)

(,#.

'#& *.#'

,#*

+#+

'(#(

%#-

&)#,

&+#)

Share of fuels in Electrabel’s generating capacity in Belgium mid-2009

&*#)

Nuclear power station CCGT Conventional power station Combined heat and power Energy recovery, gas turbine, turbojet Hydroelectric power station, wind farm, photovoltaic panel Pumped storage power station

Share of fuels in Electrabel’s electricity generation in Belgium 2008 '#& ' (,#.

&&#(

'#. .

)#, (#+ -#,

((#-

')#-

*.#'

Nuclear fuel Natural gas Coal Biomass, hydroelectric, wind, photovoltaic Oil, waste, blast furnace gas Pumped storage

TRADING AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT Electrabel’s operational activities in Belgium

As a result of these activities, Electrabel is able

(production and sales of energy) are supported

to offer its customers in Belgium, who want

by the trading and portfolio management

to actively manage and optimize their energy

activities of GDF SUEZ.

portfolio, a complete and diverse competitive offer of innovative risk management products

The Group is active on all trading markets in

and services in the area of the supply of energy

Europe where it sells and purchases electricity,

commodities, customized complex solutions,

fuels, CO2 credits … Portfolio Management

green products, emission rights ...

assures the supply of power stations with fuels and ensures an optimal use of the means of production.

24 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | CHALLENGING

03CHALLENGING We have never backed away from the environmental challenges that energy companies face.

64% OF THE ENERGY THAT WE PRODUCE IS CO2-FREE. Electrabel also helps its customers to limit their energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. The main purpose?

TO SAVE 30% OF ENERGY

CHALLENGING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 25

26 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | CHALLENGING

CHALLENGING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 27

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION

Sustainable ENERGY PRODUCTION and supply

Renewable energy for 1 million households by 2015 Electrabel is the largest producer and supplier

sources that, by 2015, will be sufficient to

of green electricity in Belgium. At the end of

supply 1 million families entirely with green

Sustainable development has a central

before the entry into force of the Kyoto

2008, the company had 464 MW in wind

energy. In order to achieve this, it is aiming

position in the strategy of the entire

Protocol, Electrabel defined a strategy and

farms, hydroelectric power plants, biomass

to install 600 MW of additional generating

GDF SUEZ Group. Its activities are inextrica-

a plan for the rational use of energy and the

plants and photovoltaic panels. Together, this

capacity in seven years. As with other pro-

bly linked with the environmental problems

management

looking

produced 1 859 GWh, enough to cover the

jects, the decision to invest in renewable

and the challenges society is faced with. The

towards 2005. In 2008, the company took an

electricity consumption of 530 000 households

energy projects depends on their economic

Group can provide energy and environmen-

important new initiative. In October, it launched

(annual consumption of 3 500 kWh/family).

profitability, as well as their social and ecological

tal solutions necessary for a sustainable de-

its Belgian plan ‘Together for less CO 2’ where

Electrabel’s ambition is to have a produc-

acceptance.

velopment of society and the economy. GDF

it made ten commitments to reduce its own

tion park in Belgium with renewable energy

SUEZ’s ambition is to become one of the

emissions of greenhouse gases and to help

most important references for sustainable

customers to reduce their energy consumption

development in the utilities sector.

and ecological footprint. The plan –which runs

CO 2 emissions,

Renewable energy-based electricity production of Electrabel in Belgium in GWh

over the period 2008-2015– is supported by

2008

2007

2008 / 2007

Electrabel contributes to the global objectives

balanced choices, with a focus on guaranteeing

Hydroelectric

-1.4%

of the Group throughout its range of activities.

supply at an economically acceptable price and

Wind

147

116

+26.7%

The company strives to combine economic,

with respect for the environment, in particular

Biomass

1 638

1 217

+34.6%

social and ecological concerns in the most

climate change.

Photovoltaic

0.7

Total

1 859

1 407

optimal manner. Already, in 1995, ten years

+32.1%

Renewable energy-based generating capacity of Electrabel in Belgium in MW - *under construction included

Electrabel’s 10 commitments within the scope of its ‘Together for less CO2’ plan • to produce electricity from renewable energy sources in Belgium for one million households by 2015 • to invest 500 million euros by 2015 to improve the energy efficiency of conventional power plants • to continue to limit the overall environmental impact of generation activities • to help customers reduce their energy consumption by up to 30% • to work with customers in a way that they produce low CO2 energy • to offer a range of green energy • to encourage mobility using natural gas and electricity • to maintain a dialogue with stakeholders in a transparent way • to reduce the CO2 emissions of daily activities by 21% • to encourage research and development of non-polluting technologies

Mid-2009*

2008

2007

Hydroelectric

Wind

115

101

Biomass

285

340

314

Photovoltaic

Total

425

464

403

28 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | CHALLENGING

CHALLENGING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 29

Electrabel is active in all areas of renewable energy Generating facilities of Electrabel in Belgium renewable energy – mid-2009 Hoogstraten

BASF

Kasterlee

Pathoekeweg

and is supported by the wealth of experience

photovoltaic chain, amongst other things, via

present within the GDF SUEZ Group that globally

its shares in the companies Photovoltech and

has more than 12 500 MW of renewable energy-

Soltech. The company has established a project

based capacity.

to install 11 MW photovoltaic panels with its

Rodenhuize

industrial customers. The first instances of this,

Mol Volvo

Schelle Wondelgem

Izegem

Lanaken

Ford Genk*

Perwez Ruien

Awirs Bütgenbach

Gembloux

Dour Quévy*

Büllingen

Hydroelectric Photovoltaic Biomass (co-)combustion Wind (*under construction)

Photovoltaic Biomass Hydroelectric Wind

500 &

400

(

()%

'-*

(&) '**

'*+

200 100 0

Since 1930, the company has been producing

for example the Honda Belgium Factory in Aalst,

electricity from hydroelectric power plants.

have been part of its production park since 2008.

Because the hydroelectric energy potential in

In order to speed up the installation of PV panels,

Belgium is almost entirely utilized, it strives for an

Electrabel developed the Joint Venture Green

optimal exploitation of its existing plants.

Solar Project in which customers may participate.

In case of wind energy, it has developed both onshore projects –such as along the E40, in

Offshore wind energy

conjunction

infrastructure

Electrabel was the first company that

company Infrabel and the cities of Sint-Truiden

proposed actual plans for building a wind

and Landen, where Electrabel wants to construct

farm for the Belgian coast in the North

one of the largest wind farms in Belgium (40 to

Sea. In 2002, it received, together with

60 MW)– as well as offshore projects.

the company Jan De Nul, a permit for

with

the

railway

the construction of the Seanergy wind

Generating capacity of Electrabel in Belgium in MW - renewable energy - *under construction included

300

Electrabel is present throughout the entire

In the area of biomass, Electrabel is one of the

farm (100 MW). In 2005, this permit was

most important and most experienced players in

revoked by the minister responsible for

Europe. It burns 1.5 million tonnes of biomass per

the marine environment, because of the

year in its power stations in Belgium. The sustain-

incompatibility of the project with a new

able character of a biomass type is a key factor in

‘Sustainable Control Plan of the North Sea’

the company’s decision to use it. Electrabel does

that determines zones for the positioning

not burn any palm oil, for example, because its sus-

of wind farms. An appeal against this

tainability is disputed given that palm plantations

decision is currently under way.

destroy the primary forests in the countries where it is produced. In order to guarantee the sustain-

In 2008, the same partners submitted two

ability of biomass, the company has established

requests to the CREG for concessions to

a certification procedure together with its scien-

build the wind turbine farms Blue4Power I

tific and technical competence centre Laborelec.

and Blue4Power II. With the first farm,

In 2008, Electrabel also commissioned a new

Electrabel wants to construct the largest

laboratory at Laborelec to optimize the incinera-

offshore wind turbine farm in Belgium.

tion of biomass and test new biomass types. In

If the concessions are granted and the

2005, Electrabel claimed a world-first by convert-

project is deemed to be economically and

,+ '' )'

'' *-

'' +&

'' +,

ing the Awirs coal power station to run entirely on

technically viable, the first wind turbines

&%&

&&*

biomass (80 MW). The company also started a

could be commissioned in 2012.

'%%)

'%%*

'%%+

'%%,

'%%-

b^Y"'%%.

project to transform an existing unit at Rodenhuize power station into a 100% biomass plant with a

(for more details on the plants, see page 48: composition of generating facilities)

capacity of 180 MW.

30 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | CHALLENGING

CHALLENGING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 31

Use continuously less fuel

1.7 million tonnes less CO2

Due to the continuous modernization of the pro-

ArcelorMittal (Sidmar) site in Ghent that will in-

By investing in renewable energies and in the improved efficiency of its conventional

duction park, Electrabel’s power stations use

cinerate the blast furnace gases of the steel mill,

power stations, Electrabel wants to reduce its generating facilities’ emissions in the period

less and less energy to produce electricity. The

and cogeneration units at Lanxess (58 MW) and

2008-2014 by 1.7 million tonnes of CO2 (in comparison with the quantity that the generating

units fed by fossil fuels already had an average

Evonik Degussa (21 MW) in the Port of Antwerp.

facilities of 2007 would have emitted in this period with a constant rate of electricity production). In 2008, the company was successful in avoiding the emission of 450 000

yield of 42.2% in 2008, which means an increase

tonnes of CO 2 by closing down a part of the coal incineration in the Mol power station and

of 19% since 1990. This saves on fossil fuels and Efficiency of Electrabel’s fossil-fuelled power stations in Belgium in %

ensures a drop in the environmental impact. The company is shutting down power stations that no longer comply with efficiency and en-

)%#.

)'#'

)&#.

)%#.

the doubling of the wood pellets incineration in the Rodenhuize power station.

vironmental criteria, including, in 2008 a coal (,#,

group in the Mol power station. Electrabel is also (*#*

modernizing existing power stations, such as the Amercoeur power plant where it converted an old coal group into a natural gas fired CCGT-power station of 420 MW with a yield of 57%. Electrabel is also investing in new production units, such as

&..%

the 305 MW-power station Knippegroen on the

&..*

'%%%

'%%*

'%%,

'%%-

With the best in Europe The Electrabel generating facilities in Belgium emitted on average 209 grams of CO 2 per produced kilowatt-hour of electricity in 2008. As a result, in this field, the company is one of the best performing energy companies in Europe.

-*+

Limiting the quantity of polluting substances that

reducing equipment (low NOx -burners, deSOx

its power stations emit into the atmosphere is

and deNOx, electrostatic precipitators). In 2008,

an ongoing priority for Electrabel. The company

the commissioning of the new installations to re-

has consistently been successful in Belgium sin-

move sulphur and nitrogen from flue gases in the

ce 1990 in reducing the emissions of SO 2, NOx

Ruien coal power station, was largely responsi-

and dust per produced kilowatt-hour every year.

ble for the reduction of specific SO 2 - and NOx -

This is the result of the investment in new high-

emissions of the generating facilities by 40 to

yield power stations and the modernization of

60% compared to 2007. In 2008, the emissions

old power stations, the use of environmentally-

from Electrabel’s generating facilities in Belgium

friendly fuels and renewable energy sources,

amounted to 209 g CO2 /kWh, 109 mg SO2 /kWh,

research into environmentally-friendly techni-

151 mg NOx /kWh and 6 mg dust/kWh. A list de-

ques and the optimal industrial control of the

tailing environmental indicators relating to the

production units, as well as installing emission-

production park may be found on page 51.

Emissions per kWh generated by Electrabel’s generating facilities in Belgium 1990 = 100

CO2 emissions in grams of CO2 /kWh - year 2007 (Electrabel, year 2008) - source: PwC

-)-

Reducing global environmental impact

CO2 NO x SO2

100 90 *(*

*(%

).+

80 ))'

)%(

('*

:jgdeZ/ (,( '%.

&-(

&)*

&()

d Zc ;

Z cY

Va c[ Z ii

D :#

: O

;

J H

a aV WZ gd gV ZgY i ZX >W :a

de jg

n g\ cZ

;

:9 ^

] i^h

g KZ

c Wj

60 50

&'% +)

gi ;d

V Hi

[ gV i`

30 20 10 0 90

32 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | CHALLENGING

CHALLENGING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 33

The company also takes measures to limit its

and cooling towers of the power plants for this

Environmental policy agreement in Flanders

The purpose of the agreement is to significant-

environmental impact on water, soil, noise,

purpose. This has been successful: since the

In 2004, the electricity generating companies

ly reduce the annually emitted quantities in

waste and biodiversity. For example, the power

start of the project, in 1995, Electrabel’s power

and the Flemish Region signed an agreement

Flanders. This implies, for example, that in 2013

stations

plants in Belgium have counted more than 300

regarding the reduction of emissions of SO2 and

the emissions of SO 2 should be reduced by 94%

Peregrine chicks.

NOx from the power stations over the period

and those of NOx should drop by 77% compared

2005-2013. A first phase expires at the end of

to the reference year 1990. The official reports

use

environmentally-friendly

water

treatment techniques (such as membranous filtration to produce demineralized water) and the full quantity of produced fly ash, bottom ash

89% of the generating capacity operated by

2009; the parties involved are negotiating an ex-

for the 2005-2007 period indicate that the pro-

and flue gas desulphurization gypsum is re-used

Electrabel in Belgium is certified as conforming

tension of the agreement.

ducers complied with their commitment.

(400 kilotonnes in 2008).

to the environmental management system stanEnvironmental policy agreement Flanders SO2 emissions by power stations in tonnes – period 2005-2013

NO x emissions by power stations in tonnes – period 2005-2013

dard ISO 14001. The Doel and Tihange nuclear In

2009,

with

Electrabel

conservation

started

organizations

cooperate to

power plants are also registered in the European

assess

Environmental Management and Audit Scheme

the biodiversity of its sites and to implement

(EMAS). These systems contribute to the ma-

appropriate management. The company is also

nagement of environmental impact. They are

30 000

open to utilizing possibilities that it can offer to

aimed at continuous improvement and stimulate

25 000

protect biodiversity. The most striking example

the company to ever-higher environmental goals.

is the reintroduction of the Peregrine falcon in

In Luxembourg, the Esch-sur-Alzette CCGT-plant

20 000

Belgium, where it has been extinct for many

achieved a triple certificate in 2008: ISO 14001,

15 000

decades. The Preservation Fund for Birds of

combined with the ISO 9001 (quality) and OHSAS

10 000

Prey (FIR) has placed nesting boxes on chimneys

18001 (safety) certificates.

5 000

Room for nuclear energy in a sustainable

The operation of nuclear power plants causes

energy mix

the production of radioactive waste and dis-

In Belgium, Electrabel operates seven nucle-

charges into the environment. In 2008,

ar reactors, four at the Doel nuclear plant and

the quantity of low- and medium-level ra-

three at the Tihange nuclear plant. The opera-

dioactive waste produced by the Doel and

tional performance of this nuclear park is at a

Tihange nuclear power plants amounted to

high level, with an average availability of almost

6.4 m3/TWh (which corresponds to a volume

90% over the last five years. Nuclear power

of two AA torch batteries per household per

plants supply 37.9% of the company’s gener-

year). This drop of 55% compared to 1990 is

ating capacity and 59.2% of its production in

the result of the efforts of the plants at tech-

Belgium and form one of the basic components

nical and organizational level. The radioactive

of its diversified energy mix. Nuclear energy of-

waste is treated and conditioned in the plant

fers several advantages (production of large

and then transferred to the Belgian Agency

quantities of electricity without CO2 emissions;

for Management of Radioactive Waste and

saving on fossil fuels; stable uranium supply …)

Enriched Fissile Materials (ONDRAF/NIRAS)

and makes an important contribution towards

which is responsible for its management. The

meeting energy and environmental challenges.

liquid and gaseous discharges by the nuclear

Irrespective of the Belgian government’s future

power plants remain considerably below the

decisions concerning the life expectancy of the

authorized annual limits (see page 51). The

nuclear power plants, Electrabel continues to

EMAS environmental statements, published

operate them with safety as its highest prior-

by the Doel and Tihange nuclear power plants

ity. Within the GDF SUEZ Group, the company

every year, give a detailed summary of the

continues to improve its nuclear expertise and

environmental achievements of the nuclear

experience, as well as providing training for its

power plants.

employees and supporting the Group’s nuclear development program.

0 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13

Emissions Objective

34 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | CHALLENGING

CHALLENGING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 35

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SUPPLY Electrabel offers its customers a modular range of services that consists of energy savings,

turbines, biomass and photovoltaic panels, and the

gas (H2) produced by Monsanto, is incinerated in

use of green energy. At ArcelorMittal (Sidmar), it

a cogeneration power unit, allowing the chemical

constructed a power plant that will burn the steel

company to produce part of its electricity without

company’s blast furnace gas. The excess hydrogen

CO2 emissions.

low-carbon energy auto-production and green power use. Additionally, the company helps industrial customers, interested in CO 2 emission credits, to compensate for their emissions.

Energy saving

Low-carbon equipment

Green electricity

Compensation

Helping customers to increase the energy efficiency of their buildings/ applications/ processes

Helping customers to select, buy and install renewable or low-carbon fossil-fuelled electricity generating or heating devices

Offering green electricity products mainly generated by our renewable energy plants and certified installations, such as:

Offering high-quality products to industrial customers interested in carbon credits

Advising customers on adopting energy saving behaviour

• GreenPlus for residential customers • Professional Green for the self-employed and Partner Green for SMEs • AlpEnergie for industrial customers

Saving up to 30% on energy consumption and own CO2 -free production Electrabel assists its customers in limiting their

support. On the website, residential customers

energy consumption and emissions, as well as

will, for instance, find calculation modules and

to reduce their carbon footprint. The company

information on subsidies with which they can

offers residential and business customers a

calculate the profitability of an investment in

range of energy services by means of which they

renewable energy, in particular photovoltaic

can continuously follow-up and manage their

panels.

energy consumption. It offers these services, which it constantly expands and optimizes, on

Together with its industrial customers, Electrabel

www.electrabel.be, where they can, to a certain

realizes customized projects (cogeneration, wind

extent, also be used online.

turbines, photovoltaic installations …). With Volvo Europa Truck in Ghent, the company came up with

Customers who want to generate their own

the first factory in the world that assembles trucks

electricity and heat using a low-CO2 method, can

with zero CO2 emissions due to a combination

approach the company for information, advice and

of energy savings, energy production with wind

Examples of the energy and environmental services offered by Electrabel Consumption meter

Follow consumption online month-by-month, indicate the required savings and compare consumption with that of a comparable household and home.

Home Optimizer

Discover online which habits and equipment use energy excessively and, consequently, do not permit savings; identify the most important measures that will make a difference.

Check-up call

An energy expert discusses by phone the trend and the optimization of the energy consumption.

Energy Audit

An expert drops by to analyse the energy consumption of the house and to offer customized solutions.

CO2 tool

Calculate the annual CO 2 emission of the family online and get tips for improvement.

PV Guide

Receive support in making the correct choices when placing photovoltaic panels to ensure an optimal investment.

PV Comfort

Ensures regular maintenance of photovoltaic installations, resulting in better yield and longer life expectancy.

Energy scan

A complete energy audit that analyses all energy flows in an organization and provides an accurate description of the savings that can be made.

Spot advice

Makes a diagnosis on site on an issue at an energy installation and gives advice on the best solutions.

Start to Save

Offers a personalizable module-based concept for internal communication to make staff aware of the rational use of energy.

Energy Kronos

Follow and manage energy consumption (electricity and natural gas) online and determine the effect of energy saving measures.

36 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | CHALLENGING

250 000 customers opt for green energy Electrabel has a specific green energy offer for

Überwachungs-Verein (TUV). In 2008, Electrabel

every type of customer category. The GreenPlus,

sold 2.74 TWh electricity under the AlpEnergie

Professional Green and Partner Green products

label in Belgium. About 600 companies, cities

–launched in October 2008 for households,

and municipalities including Danone, Delhaize,

entrepreneurs and small and medium sized

Telenet, the National Lottery, Antwerp Zoo,

companies– comprise the supply of 100%

Bruges and Visé chose AlpEnergie.

renewable energy, 100% produced in Belgium. The independent organization Vinçotte validates

With

the

renewable

energy

source-

the origin and source of the green electricity each

installations they operate, Electrabel and the

year. By mid-2009, more than 220 000 families,

GDF SUEZ Group (410 MW in Belgium and

as well as 30 000 self-employees and SME’s, had

almost 6 000 MW in Europe overall), the company

entered into a green contract with Electrabel.

is able to offer its customers large quantities of green current at a competitive price. In 2008,

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION, ESSENTIAL LINKS

The company offers its industrial customers

190 Flemish municipalities opted for Electrabel

and public administrations AlpEnergie, green

as their electricity supplier, following a public

current originating from the hydroelectric power

tendering procedure for their electricity supplies

The GDF SUEZ Group has extensive experience

plants of the GDF SUEZ Group in France, of

that had to comprise 60% green energy.

in the area of Research and Development. 1 200 employees are active in 8 research

which the origin is certified by the Technischer

centres. In Belgium, Laborelec, Electrabel’s

Electrabel and green mobility

• more efficient fourth generation nuclear power plants • the capture and storage of CO2 from flue gas (Carbon Capture and Storage)

technical and scientific competence centre,

• coal power plants with a yield exceeding 50%

counts 249 employees. Apart from its own

• energy audits

Road transport in Belgium is responsible

vehicle that emits scarcely 34 grams of CO2

research activities, Electrabel also participates

• performance of micro-networks fed by wind

for approximately a fifth of the country’s

per driven kilometre, including the required

in other GDF SUEZ Group research projects

emissions of greenhouse gases. By switching

electricity production. Electrabel also enters

and forms partnerships to study promising

over from conventional fuels (petrol, diesel) to

into partnerships with vehicle manufacturers

technologies and to expand and enhance the

electricity and natural gas, the transport sector

for the development of more environmentally-

extent of its R&D activities. The company also

Thanks to its research activities, Electrabel can

can reduce its carbon footprint. Electrabel

friendly vehicles and supports research

will set up a Scientific Advisory Committee for

offer complex, global and integrated solutions

encourages the use and the development of

into the optimization of the management of

this purpose which will consist of members of

concerning energy problems and the climate issue.

vehicles using natural gas or electricity. The

electric vehicle fleets.

both the Belgian and international academic

company has a low CO2 -emission production

worlds.

turbines and solar panels • …

The company’s expertise in the area of energy-

park which is an important plus-point with

In 2008, the company also implemented

regard to the supply of electric vehicles.

a new mobility policy for its employees.

The research areas are diverse and seek

impact and electricity networks has, for example,

efficiency, renewable energies, environmental

This promotes and encourages limitations

to improve the energy and environmental

made it possible to construct the Princess

In 2008, Electrabel opened three natural

on mobility, the use of public transport and

achievements of the generating facilities, find

Elisabeth research station in Antarctica and to

gas filling stations for the public in Bruges,

choosing environmentally-friendly transport

innovative, sustainable, futuristic applications

ensure that it can operate completely autono-

Mechelen and Antwerp. Within its own fleet,

with little or no CO2 emissions. In 2008,

and solutions, as well as focus on the rational

mously, without any CO2 emissions or waste, at

it tests the performance and characteristics of

the new vehicles leased for use by its staff

use of energy :

extreme temperatures of -40°C.

electric vehicles. The company therefore also

discharged an average of 139 grams of

• combustion potential of new sustainable

cooperates with the Natuurpunt environmental

CO2 /km into the air, a fall of 14% compared to

organization to whom it provided an electric

emissions in 2007.

biomass types • the potential of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology for energy production

38 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | INSPIRING

INSPIRING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 39

04INSPIRING Our concern for people and their environment goes further. With the recent

RECRUITMENT OF 1 600 NEW EMPLOYEES

and the skills of our existing staff –more than 600 000 training hours in 2008– we are also armed to satisfy our customers tomorrow

40 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | INSPIRING

INSPIRING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 41

SOCIAL involvement

Age structure of Electrabel’s staff in Belgium in active service end of 2008 - Belgian subsidiaries included

Due to the nature of its activities, Electrabel

scientific and academic world, opinion makers,

is embedded within the economic and social

professional

fabric of society.

associations …).

organizations, The

trades

company’s

>55

unions,

50-54

numerous

45-49

electricity power plants characterize the landscape

40-44

Electrabel is an active supplier of energy and

and evoke a trusted image for those living in the

energy services that keeps in close contact with

neighbourhood. Electrabel and the GDF SUEZ

its customers (families, public administrations,

Group are also important local and regional

small- and medium-sized businesses, large

employers. Implementing and anticipating the

25-29

industrial companies), suppliers and social groups

expectations of its stakeholders are essential

<25

(legislative authorities and governments, the

factors for the company’s further development.

Active player on the job market age in the coming years, to man new Staff numbers of Electrabel in Belgium in active service - Belgian subsidiaries included Women Men

' ,%) ' )&) + (*( * &()

'%%,

'%%-

The significant drop in staff numbers in 2008 is a consequence of the transfer of more than 1 800 employees to the new network company, ORES.

900

1 200

1 500

Opportunities for employees options to follow customized training and

launched the ‘Wellbeing at Work’ project,

Group. In 2008, Electrabel recruited almost

to take up new functions to orientate and

which led to several practical changes being

1 650 new employees in Belgium. Additional

build their careers. In 2008, more than

suggested by the employees themselves,

recruitment of 500 to 800 is anticipated for the

600 000 hours of technical and general trai-

which

period 2009-2010. To find and locate suitable

ning were followed in Belgium and 45% of

(participation in Taxistop, offering professional

candidates, Electrabel makes a deliberate

the 1 500 outstanding vacancies were filled

home assistance for the care of sick children,

effort to directly approach the competitive job

via internal candidates. Internal mobility is

childcare in crèches …). The company aims at

market, amongst other things, by organizing

not only restricted to Belgium, but is spread

upgrading the project on a regular basis in line

specific job days, job events and open-door

across the entire GDF SUEZ Group. Staff are

with its employees’ needs.

days. Job hunters can search for vacancies

encouraged to participate in the improvement

on the company’s website and apply online (www.electrabel.be/career). The GDF SUEZ Group has also signed an

the education of students and teachers by means of practical training in the company and

in Belgium. The company also provides

to promote technical professions among young

significant indirect employment. 29% of the

people.

will leave the company at their pensionable

600

nuclear and other activities of the GDF SUEZ

Belgian subsidiaries) employed 7 548 persons

replace the large number of employees who

300

of the working conditions. In 2006, Electrabel

At the end of 2008, Electrabel (including its

company has an active recruitment policy to

The company offers its employees extensive

(both Dutch- and French-speaking) to support

and almost 30% under 30 years of age. The

30-34

electricity power plants and to support the

agreement with the ministries of education

staff are in a management role, 32% female

35-39

were

systematically

implemented

42 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | INSPIRING

INSPIRING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 43

Improving relationships with stakeholders

Support integration on the job market

Nuclear safety

Electrabel helps groups of people who find it

route with coaching and training. At the end of

Operating safety at its Doel and Tihange

difficult to integrate into the job market. This

their contract period, some employees remain

nuclear power stations is a constant

initiative complies with the ‘Corporate Social

with Electrabel; others have a stronger foot to

concern for Electrabel. The company has

Responsibility’ policy as promoted by the

stand on in the job market.

included this priority in its procedures, and

Electrabel strives towards having sustainable

it sets in motion actions and projects that

and fruitful relationships with its stakeholders,

GDF SUEZ Group. At the beginning of 2009, GDF SUEZ also

focus on safety. Its own employees, as

based on mutual respect and objectivity, and

The company, in consultation with the regional

entered into a partnership with the Belgian

well as employees of external companies

wishes to keep them informed and to involve

labour services, employs persons with modest

Paralympic

disabled

are continuously educated and trained

them in its activities. In the ambit of its CO2

qualifications, disabled persons, as well as

athletes the opportunity to be employed within

(in 2008, the number of training hours

action plan, the company is in the process

people who have temporarily left the job

Electrabel and other businesses of the Group

totalled 50 000, a lot of them using

of establishing a Sustainable Development

market. It offers them a temporary employment

in Belgium.

simulators). Internal and external controls

Advisory Board consisting of representatives

are conducted on a regular basis to make

of economic, social and environmental groups

sure the efforts attain the desired results.

to reflect the interests of Belgian society.

In early 2009, an OSART audit from the

Electrabel also enters into discussions with

International

Agency

neighbourhood groups (discussion board in

Committee

offer

contract accompanied by a specific supervision

Safety, always a priority Electrabel’s

workplace

Health

Atomic

Energy

Safety

results in terms of safety indicators. In 2008,

(IAEA), executed at the request of the

the Doel power plant, comité de riverains of

Policy is based on the principle of continuous

in Belgium, Electrabel recorded its all-time

Belgian government, confirmed the high

the Tihange power plant …), organizes open

improvement. This is achieved and takes

best results in terms of frequency and severity

safety level of the Tihange nuclear power

days and information sessions (for example,

concrete shape thanks to the implementation of

rates, 2.70 and 0.05 respectively, marking an

plant. This inspection compares the safety

in relation to projects for new wind farms) and

a Global Prevention Plan. As far back as 1995, the

improvement of over 80% in ten years. The

of the investigated power plant with the

distributes specific brochures to keep those

company was already elaborating its first Global

2010-2015 Global Plan, elaborated in 2008-

best global practices. Turning to the Doel

in the immediate vicinity of power plants

Plan, thus anticipating its legal obligations at the

2009, should allow the company to consolidate

nuclear power station, nuclear experts

informed of the most important developments

time. Since then, three consecutive five-year

its achievements, as well as to succeed in the

visiting the station as part of a WANO Peer

and activities.

plans have enabled the company to structure

challenge of managing the human element and

Review examined the practices in place

its approach to Health, Safety and Wellbeing in

human behaviour.

and their report also was very positive.

Anyone who would like to know more about

International comparisons also show that

the company and how it produces electricity

Belgian nuclear power plants are situated

can visit some of Electrabel’s power plants.

among the best in terms of collective

Every year, around 20 000 persons make use

radiation dose.

of this opportunity.

the workplace, as well as to durably improve its Safety indicators Electrabel (Belgium) subsidiaries not included Hg

0.6 0.5

0.4 0.3

0.2 0.1 0.0 25

0 ;g

Sr: severity rate (number of days of absence per thousand hours worked)

Fr: frequency rate (number of loss time accidents per million hours worked)

44 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | INSPIRING

INSPIRING | Electrabel Activities report 2008 45

Partnerships in solidarity and environmental protection

Exemplary function

In line with the GDF SUEZ Group’s sponsorship

• the Virelles-Nature association to develop

Electrabel is an ambassador for the measures

and partnership policy, Electrabel supports

the Aquascope-Virelles nature discovery

that it proposes to its customers. In 2010, the

long-term activities for the social rehabilitation

centre on the bank of the Virelles lake;

company will have reduced the CO 2 emissions

of those who are less fortunate and for the

• the International Polar Foundation (IPF)

of its daily activities by 21% or 9 000 tonnes

protection of nature and the environment. The

for the building of the Princess Elisabeth

compared to 2007 by implementing measures

company does not only seek to be a passive

zero-emissions scientific research centre in

in the area of energy consumption in buildings,

donor, but also provides logistical support and

Antarctica;

its purchasing procedures and mobility. In 2008,

makes available its know-how.

• the association École et Surdité to promote

the savings realized amounted to 2 000 tonnes.

the integration of education for students with Organizations recently supported by Electrabel include the following: • the Preservation Fund for Birds of Prey (FIR) for the reintroduction of the Peregrine falcon in Belgium; • the nature organizations, Natuurpunt and Natagora, for a biodiversity awareness project;

hearing disabilities within general education;

Current actions undertaken by the company

• the Mimi Foundation for the supervision and

include, amongst other things, lowering the

reintegration of cancer patients in society;

basic temperature for starting up the central

• the Cap48 organization to improve aware-

heating systems of its buildings, the installation

ness of the difficulties that handicapped

of photovoltaic panels on the roofs of its buildings

persons experience with reintegration into

(for example, the head office in Brussels

society;

(5.4 kW) and the Marketing & Sales building

• the Belgian Paralympic Committee (BPC) to train athletes who participate in the

in Namur (8.8 kW)) and using AlpEnergie green electricity.

Paralympics. Electrabel’s mobility program is aimed at miniElectrabel staff are also active within Energy

mizing the amount of travelling and opting for

Assistance. This non-profit organization was

environmentally-friendly transport. The ‘green

established in June 2001, by GDF SUEZ Group

purchases’ plan stipulates environmental and

employees. Its members volunteer to help

sustainability criteria for the selection of sup-

with humanitarian projects in the energy field

pliers, the specification of products and services

throughout the world.

and the execution of contracts. Suppliers can

The first step is making their expertise available

refer to purchasing terms and conditions on the

to communities in the Third World to facilitate

website www.electrabel.be/suppliers.

their access to essential energy commodities. This often goes hand in hand with the

The company also encourages its employees

reconstruction of a hospital or an orphanage, as

to implement a natural rational use of energy

well as the installation of water wells.

approach not only professionally but also in private, amongst other things, by awarding RUE-trophies which reward the most energysaving families.

46 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | APPENDICES

05APPENDICES

APPENDICES | Electrabel Activities report 2008 47

48 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | APPENDICES

APPENDICES | Electrabel Activities report 2008 49

GENERATING FACILITIES in Belgium a) Electrabel’s generating facilities in Belgium: composition mid-2009 Power station

Net generating capacity in MW

Power station

Combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT)

Main fuels

Power station

Ruien(3)

1 888

Net generating capacity in MW

879

Main fuels

ng, c, bm

Net generating capacity in MW

Doel 3(4)

903

Doel 4(4)

905

Tihange

2 334

Amercoeur

420

Tihange 1(5)

481

Drogenbos

460

Gas turbine

Tihange 2(4)

905

Herdersbrug

460

Drogenbos

Tihange 3(4)

947

Saint-Ghislain

350

Zandvliet Power (1)

198

Mol

765

78 30

Turbojet Combined heat and power (CHP)

108 ng ng

Drawing right SPE

-100

Drawing right EO.N

-500

Aalter

Pumped storage power station

1 307

Beerse

Coo I

474

Degussa (Antwerp)(2)

Buda

Coo II

690

Plate Taille(6)

143

Cierreux

Ineos Phenol (Beveren)(2)

Deux-Acren

Langerbrugge

Ixelles

Fluxys (Zeebruges)

Lanxess (Lillo)(2) Lanxess Rubber(2) Monsanto (Antwerp)

(2)

Oudegem Papier(2) SAPPI (Lanaken)

(2)

Solvay (Jemeppe-sur-Sambre) Syral (Alost)

(2)

Total Raffinaderij Antwerpen Gas engines

Conventional thermal Amercoeur

(2)

Hydroelectric power station

21.8

Noordschote

Bardonwez

Turon

Bévercé

9.2

Zedelgem

Bütgenbach

1.8

Zeebrugge

Cierreux

0.1

Zelzate

Coo-diversion

0.4

Heid-de-Goreux

0.035

8.1 1.9

Energy recovery

La Vierre

154

Brussels Energy

Lorcé

0.1

ng, bm

Indaver (Beveren)

Orval

0.05

Isvag (Wilrijk)

Stavelot

Dump

2 683

Power station

Net generating capacity in MW

Gembloux-Sombreffe(7) Hoogstraten Izegem Kasterlee Lanaken Pathoekeweg Perwez(7) Rodenhuize Schelle

210

BP Chembel (Geel)(2)

(2)

Main fuels

0.1

1.8 Wind farm

100.7

127

Awirs

374

ng, bm

Kallo

522

Mol

255

Doel 1

393

Bütgenbach

Rodenhuize

526

bfg, c, bm

Doel 2

433

Dour

Nuclear power station

4 368

BASF (Antwerp)

Doel

2 634

Büllingen

9 12 4 0.66 8 3 7.5 4 4.5

Volvo (Ghent)

Wondelgem

Photovoltaic panels

3.15

Beaulieu (Kruishoutem)

1.06

Honda (Alost)

0.89

Other industrial partners

1.20

TOTAL

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

without share of RWE (50%); functions as a CHP-unit industrial partnership including gas turbines repowering without share of SPE (10.2%) without share of EDF (50%) agreement with the MET joint venture with Air Energy

Fuels bfg gas from blast furnaces bm biomass c coal ke kerosene ng natural gas

11 532

Main fuels

50 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | APPENDICES

APPENDICES | Electrabel Activities report 2008 51

b) Electrabel’s generating facilities in Belgium: most important changes in the period 2008 – mid-2009 New generating capacity:

Reduced capacity:

• CCGT-power plant :

Amercoeur (420 MW) • Combined heat and power: Lanxess Rubber (58 MW) • Nuclear power plant: Tihange (+40 MW) • Wind energy : BASF (12 MW) Büllingen (12 MW) Dour (6 MW) Izegem (4 MW) • Photovoltaic panels : 3.1 MW

Vilvoorde (385 MW) (sold to E.ON) • Combined heat and power : Esso (38.8 MW) (end of partnership) Bressoux (2.7 MW) (taken out of service) • Conventional power plant : Langerlo (602 MW) (sold to E.ON) • Turbojet: Schaerbeek (18 MW) (taken out of service)

c) Electrabel’s generating facilities in Belgium: environmental indicators (1) 2007

2005

2000

1990

1980

13 772

16 089

19 257

21 222

22 607

31 604

Emissions CO 2

kilotonnes

CO 2

g/kWh

209

227

273

276

349

666

SO 2

tonnes

7 163

17 788

28 536

34 505

94 381

351 643

SO 2

mg/kWh

109

251

405

448

1 459

7 405

NOx

tonnes

9 973

17 324

24 942

39 169

59 183

87 010

NOx

mg/kWh

151

245

354

509

915

1 832

Dust

tonnes

426

834

2 353

3 886

10 131

23 730

Dust

mg/kWh

157

500

kilotonnes

278

302

365

542

931

1 048

kilotonnes

98.8

99.4

101.7

88.9

tonnes

35 834

77 799

33 745

11 685

31.6

282

272

181

Cooling *

million m3

105.7

114.1

114.9

Industrial processes

million m3

3.58

3.55

3.51

m /MWh

0.054

0.051

42.2

41.9

40.9

35.5

36.4

Beta-gamma

GBq

26.25

Tritium

TBq

111

84.68

• Nuclear power plant (see page 17): 250 MW (ceded to SPE)

Production and valorization of by-products

100 MW (drawing right SPE)

Fly ash

500 MW (drawing right E.ON)

Bottom ash Gypsum

New generating capacity under construction:

2008

(2)

Total valorization

• Conventional power plant : ArcelorMittal (Sidmar) (305 MW) • Combined heat and power : Evonik Degussa (21 MW) • Wind energy : Dour extension (4 MW)

Production and valorization of waste Industrial waste (3) Valorization Radioactive waste

(4)

Ford Genk (4 MW) Quévy (6 MW) • Photovoltaic panels : 0.1 MW

Water consumption

Industrial processes

Energy consumption Energy yield (5)

Radioactive discharges (6)

Aerosols

GBq

0.012

0.0144

0.04

Iodine

GBq

0.0874

0.163

0.07

Noble gases

TBq

14.08

* Quantity evaporated (1)

(2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

The data on the combined heat and power units operated in partnership, in cases where Electrabel is not the owner of the operating license, are not included in the statistics. In order to give an accurate picture of the performance, the calculation of specifi c emissions is related to all generating facilities, including electricity generation by hydroelectric, wind and nuclear power units, as these do not produce any of the emissions concerned. In 2008, the specific emissions from fossil-fuelled power stations were 658 g CO 2 /kWh, 342 mg SO 2 /kWh and 476 mg NO x /kWh. The Langerlo and Ruien power stations are equipped with flue gas desulphurization units, which produce gypsum as a by-product. The amount of industrial waste produced in any one year depends to a large extent on demolition work and site clean-up operations. The figure represents the production of low and medium level conditioned radioactive waste by the Doel and Tihange nuclear power stations. Volumes depend on the waste conditioning planning. The figure represents the percentage of used fossil fuel energy transformed into electricity by CCGT power stations, combined heat and power units and conventional thermal power stations. Aggregated fi gures for Doel nuclear power station (Flanders) and Tihange nuclear power station (Wallonia). Annual limits for Doel: 1 480 GBq beta-gamma; 103.6 TBq tritium; 148 GBq aerosols; 14.8 GBq iodine and 2 960 TBq noble gases. Annual limits for Tihange: 888 GBq beta-gamma; 147.6 TBq tritium; 111 GBq aerosols; 14.8 GBq iodine and 2 220 TBq noble gases.

52 Electrabel Activities report 2008 | APPENDICES

APPENDICES | Electrabel Activities report 2008 53

Information GDF SUEZ Group

Electrabel in the Benelux

Environmental declarations EMAS

Electrabel S.A.

Nuclear power station Doel

Boulevard du Régent 8

GDF SUEZ

Belgium

• in Dutch

1000 Brussels, Belgium

16-26, rue du Docteur Lancereaux

Electrabel

• in PDF format at

www.electrabel.be

75008 Paris, France

Boulevard du Régent 8

www.gdfsuez.com

1000 Brussels, Belgium

Tel. + 33 1 57 04 00 00

www.electrabel.be

www.electrabel.be • requests for printed copies: doel.infocenter@electrabel.be

Tel. + 32 2 518 61 11 Fax + 32 2 518 64 00 TVA BE 0403.170.701 RPR/RPM Brussels

Tel. + 32 2 518 61 11 Publications

This report is available in Dutch, French and English.

• Reference document 2008

The Netherlands

download via www.electrabel.be

• Activities and Sustainable

Electrabel Nederland

request a printed copy :

Dr. Stolteweg 92

• sosdoc@electrabel.com

8025 AZ Zwolle, the Netherlands

• www.electrabel.be

www.electrabel.nl

• Electrabel

Development Report 2008

electrabel@electrabel.nl

Boulevard du Régent 8

Tel. + 31 88 769 29 00

1000 Brussels, Belgium Tel. + 32 2 518 62 22

Luxembourg

Nuclear power station Tihange

Twinerg

• in French

201, route d’Ehlerange

• in PDF format at

4108 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg www.twinerg.lu secretariat@twinerg.lu

Fax + 32 2 518 64 00

www.electrabel.be • requests for printed copies: jeancharles.delalleau@electrabel.com

Tel. + 35 2 26 55 49 1 Sustainable development Visit www.electrabel.be/sustainable

This publication was printed entirely on paper certified by the Forest Steward Council (FSC). This organization promotes and guarantees responsible forest management that aims to be economically attractive, environmentally sustainable and socially equitable. The paper supplier has obtained ISO 14001 (environment) and OHSAS 18001 (health and safety) certificates. The presses use vegetable ink. Waste paper and cardboard, in addition to used offset plates, are recovered and recycled.

• Learn everything about the details of Electrabel’s CO2 plan • Order or download the Green Book ‘Together for less CO 2’ • Subscribe to the newsletter

Colophon This publication was produced by the Communications department. The graphic concept and the production were assigned to The Crew, Brussels (Belgium).

in Dutch, French, English or Spanish available in PDF-form on www.gdfsuez.com

Photographs: R. de Barse, R. Beckers, J. Breuer, D. Decorte, IPF, D. Mossiat, O2, A. Pierot, D. Plas, A. Vanlaethem Printing: Antilope, Lier (Belgium) Responsible editor: Fernand Grifnée, Boulevard du Régent 8, 1000 Brussels, Belgium September 2009 D/2009/7.208/1