Coal or gas?
E.ON looks at all the options for generating power. We invest in new technology and research ways to reduce the impact on the environment, and production methods. At this moment E.ON is building the largest wind park in Europe.
In The Netherlands E.ON Benelux has both coal-fired and gas-fired power stations. Cost structures make the coal-fired operations cheaper for generating the base load - i.e. 24/7 – than gas-fired power stations, whereas gas-fired power stations are better equipped to cope with peak hours (mainly daytime).
Right now The Netherlands mainly needs a cheap, stable base load which contributes to the location climate for the industry and is good for consumers. Coal-fired power stations are an ideal source here – as long as sustainable sources are not yet available for base load.
Meanwhile, a good mix is also important – not just for The Netherlands, but for the entire European Union and many other countries.