Nuclear energy

Nuclear energy stands for reliable and climate-friendly electricity production. Because nuclear power plants have practically no CO₂ emissions and can produce electricity around the clock. Germany has decided to phase out this technology by 2022. Our subsidiary EnBW Kernkraft GmbH (EnKK) is responsible for the operation and post-operation, as well as the decommissioning and dismantling of our five nuclear power plants. We still produce electricity at two plants (Philippsburg 2 and Neckarwestheim II); however, we have already applied to dismantle them. The remaining three plants no longer generate electricity and are currently being dismantled: Obrigheim since 2008; Neckarwestheim I and Philippsburg I since 2017.

Nuclear power – safety has top priority

View of the Philippsburg site

During operation, post-operation, decommissioning, and dismantling of the nuclear power plants in Neckarwestheim, Philippsburg, and Obrigheim, safety is always a top priority. Without exception, our nuclear facilities meet the safety requirements applicable in Germany. Their safety level is in line with the standard for new plants required by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). As part of an intensive IAEA evaluation programme – the OSART missions – the Neckarwestheim and Philippsburg sites achieved commendable results measured against international standards.

Security of supply and climate protection

The Neckarwestheim II and Philippsburg 2 production plants guarantee a reliable, economical, and climate-friendly power supply in Baden-Württemberg. The plants have a total installed electrical capacity of 2,868 megawatts and generated more than 21.7 billion kilowatt hours of electricity in 2016. This corresponds to about one third of the total electricity consumption in Baden-Württemberg and in mathematical terms, covers more than the total electricity demand of the approximately five million private households in Baden-Württemberg.

In 2016, both plants saved more than 19 million tonnes of climate-damaging carbon dioxide CO₂ . This value is based on the specific emissions of fossil power generation in Germany in 2013 (coal, gas). For comparison: According to the State Statistical Office, the total CO₂ output in Baden-Württemberg is around 73 million tonnes (2013).