Holistic management of opencast mines ensuring environmental compatibility
Rhenish lignite will continue to play an indispensible role in the energy mix of the German Federal Republic for a long time to come. The use of lignite for electricity generation, upgrading and, if necessary, as a raw material is geared to the long term.
The holistic management of opencast mines underpinned by approval law and a strong focus on man, the environment and nature contribute to the acceptance of the mines by the local population. Planning and mining approval cover the entire lifespan of mining. Lignite mining is environmentally compatible as e.g. high quality recultivation of agricultural and forestal landscapes and fine-grained water-management measures are reliable, effective and setting worldwide standards.
The same is true of state-of-the-art lignite uses: Regarding their operational flexibility, lignite-fired power plants are ideal partners for the expansion of renewables which are also implemented by RWE in the mining area. It is along these lines that RWE is continuing its power plant renewal programme as planned. Coal creates low-CO2 power-generation options. With a view to that which will be conceivable the day after tomorrow, RWE is researching future technologies today in order to meet objectives such as security of supply, profitability and environmental compatibility to the same extent in the long term.
Another important contribution to acceptance is public transparency and communications as means to support approval procedures and the implementation of measures in all areas related to lignite mining and utilization.
-Michael Eyll-Vetter, Vice President Mine Planning, RWE Power, Germany
-Jens Voigt, Desk Officer, RWE Power, Germany