RWE CEO rejects keeping nuclear power plants open

Energy firm RWE npower’s new Pembroke gas plant, the largest of its kind in Europe, is seen at its completion ceremony in Pembroke, Wales on September 19, 2012. REUTERS / Rebecca Naden

DUESSELDORF, Aug. 24 (Reuters) – German utility RWE (RWEG.DE) on Tuesday rejected the idea of ​​letting nuclear power plants stay open longer because they produce less carbon dioxide.

“We are not available for this,” CEO Markus Krebber told reporters.

The German government is paying four nuclear operators – including RWE – nearly 2.6 billion euros ($ 3.05 billion) in compensation for forcing them to shut down their nuclear power plants in response to the Fukushima disaster. Read more

However, proponents of nuclear power argue that it produces minimal carbon dioxide, meaning that countries like France and Britain, which operate many nuclear power plants, could more easily meet their nuclear targets. climate protection.

RWE, which relied heavily on nuclear power and coal, has grown into one of the largest green electricity companies in Europe.

Krebber called on a new federal government to step up the pace of the switch to renewables by increasing targets, expanding the grid and reducing approval procedures for wind power plants.

Krebber, who took over as CEO at the end of April, will present his strategy in the fourth quarter, including a new dividend policy: “We are no longer a dividend stock. We are a growth stock,” he said. declared.

Other stories from Top Energy

EXCLUSIVE Venezuela traded PDVSA oil for food, then punished negotiators

Saudi Arabia’s oil exports in June rise 123% to over $ 16 billion

PetroChina Reports $ 4.3 Billion First Quarter Profit on Resumption of Fuel Demand

Oil Extends Gains on Better Demand Outlook and Mexico Blackouts

($ 1 = 0.8519 euros)

Reporting by Tom Kaekenhoff Writing by Emma Thomasson Editing by Caroline Copley

Our Standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.