Environmental Protection

3

kilotons of SO₂emissions

SO₂ results primarily from the com bustion of sulfurous coal. Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) equipment captures about 90% of our SO2 emissions and prevents them from enter ing the atmosphere. We emitted 3 kilotons of SO2 in 2023, 1.5 kilotons less than in 2022.

151

tons of dust emissions

Despite extensive filtering, the burning of coal and lignite in power stations results in dust emissions. Dust emissions are defined as total dust and in clude particles with a diameter of less than 10 microns. Our dust (or particulate) emissions were 132 tons lower in 2023 than in 2022.

We actively manage our operations to minimize their negative environmental and social impacts. To minimize environmental risks, we have environmental management systems in place that are certified to ISO 14001, an internationally recognized standard. In 2023 all operational facilities maintained their ISO 14001 certification. Furthermore, all our fossil-fueled power plants and energy storage facilities in Germany have ISO 50001 energy management systems in place.

Water is an essential resource for the generation of energy. When we develop businesses in parts of the world where water scarcity is a more urgent issue, we must be particularly vigilant. In 2023, Uniper’s overall water consumption (for cooling and process purposes) was less than 25 million cubic meters. This was a reduction of 12 million cubic meters compared to 2022. 4 billion cubic meters of water was withdrawn (99.9% of which was for cooling purposes), with more than 99% of this water being returned to source. We withdrew 177 million cubic meters less than we did in 2022.

We strive to market the by-products of power generation, which replace virgin materials and thus conserve resources. Doing so enhances our operating efficiency, margins, market position, and reputation. It’s also good for the communities and natural habitats near our assets.  We sold, recovered, or disposed of 938 metric kilotons of these by-products in 2023. More than 93%  was recovered or sold.

We strive to minimize the waste we generate and improve our waste management. We always try to reuse and recycle as much waste as possible. The increase in waste in 2023 is largely due to the demolition of Uniper’s coal-fired power plants Kiel and Datteln 1-3 in Germany.

We recognize that our operations have the potential to impact biodiversity, directly and indirectly. We therefore aim to minimize these risks by complying with applicable laws and regulations and by managing our assets carefully. We also collaborate with government agencies and nature conservation organizations to promote biodiversity at and near our assets. By the end of 2024 we want to define metrics and targets that capture the global benefits of our decarbonization as well as the local benefits of improving biodiversity management at and near our assets.