Each of our power stations has a ’Getting Better’ plan, which includes actions to improve its efficiency. These plans have produced some impressive CO₂ savings. For example, over the past four years at our Connah’s Quay power station on Deeside, we’ve saved an estimated 100,900 tonnes of CO₂ through a number of initiatives:

Cooling Tower Efficiency Improvements (44% of total CO₂ saving)

To maximise heat transfer and optimise cooling tower and unit performance, we’ve improved water and air distribution in the towers. The result of this work is a reduction in cooling water temperature that in turn improves the heat rate of the unit. This project is estimated to have saved 44,700 tonnes CO₂/annum and around £2.5m.

Gas Turbine Compressor Improvements (33% of total CO₂ saving)

We’ve upgraded the filters to maintain compressor efficiencies at a higher level for a longer period of time. More air is now forced through to the combustion system to get extra power and higher efficiency. This project is estimated to have saved 33,600 tonnes CO₂/annum and almost £2m.

Condenser Tube Cleaning (11% of total CO₂ saving)

Upgrades to the system allow more reliable operation, easier fault-finding and significant improvement to condenser cleanliness. This project is estimated to have saved 11,300 tonnes CO₂/annum and £653,063.

Heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) Pre Heater Cleaning (11% of total CO₂ saving)

We’ve introduced a new method of cleaning that helps maintain the heat transfer effectiveness of the HRSG. This project is estimated to have saved 11,300 tonnes CO₂/annum and £653,063.

In 2010, we achieved a 9.2% absolute reduction in electricity consumption in comparison with 2009, a reduction of 2,187 tonnes of C0₂e and a saving of 4,019,438 kWh which equates to approx. £400k

These savings were achieved through the delivery of a number of projects:

• The installation of SMART building technology at our Greenwood and Westwood sites, reducing energy consumption by 15% and 14% respectively, saving a total of £56,000. Estimated savings per annum across the two sites are 1.1m KWh, which will save £101,000 and the emission of 615 tonnes of C0₂.
• The installation of 142 LED street lights in the car parks at Greenwood and Westwood reduced energy consumption by 60%
• Passive Infra Red (PIR) sensors have been fitted to many more meeting rooms, storerooms and areas that benefit from the PIR sensors.
• At Bedford, two boilers and a hot water storage vessel have been removed, reducing energy costs and carbon emissions by 22%.

To help achieve a zero carbon workplace by 2030, we’ve put in place energy efficiency plans for our top 19 energy consuming sites and we’ve undertaken site surveys to identify additional sites where photovoltaic solar panels can be installed to benefit from the Government’s new Feed in Tariffs.

In June 2010, we registered for the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme.

We have continued with our Green Travel arrangements in 2010 and regular communication with drivers to offer alternatives to using hire and company cars.

In 2010, emissions from our vehicle fleet, including company cars, commercial vehicles and hire cars, have reduced by 2.3% compared with 2009 in spite of an increase in fuel usage in our commercial vehicles. Examples of how this has been achieved include:

• A 12% reduction in emissions from company cars because of reduced business mileage and through the choice of vehicles available to the E.ON drivers;
• Reducing the average CO₂ rating of all cars registered to E.ON in 2010 by 7% to 128g/km, compared with 2009;

• Reducing the average carbon rating of hire cars in 2001 coupled with reductions in the number of hire days, resulted in hire car carbon emissions being reduced by 5%.