WWF warns over Dutch deal with German coal giant
Zeist, Netherlands - The long partnership between WWF-Netherlands and the largest “green” Dutch energy-supplier Essent that has existed since 1995, may come to an end if Essent cannot continue its sustainable performance when it is taken over by the German energy-concern RWE.
Essent and RWE announced the takeover earlier this week and shareholders have already approved the deal. Finalization is subject to non-objection of the EU-authority that handles fair competition between companies.
RWE is known for its huge CO2-emissions. WWF-Germany reacted to the planned deal by stating that RWE is Europe’s “largest environment-spoiler”. “They have no qualms about investing in conventional coal-burning energy plants," said WWF-Netherlands CEO Johan van de Gronden.
The Dutch parliament will have a plenary debate on the takeover later this week. Essent have invited both WWF and RWE for negotiations about a partnership on sustainability.
RWE is a huge investor in conventional coal-fired power stations and the builder of many nuclear plants. One of their most recent plans is to build a nuclear power plant in Bulgaria, in a region that is considered hazardous because of earthquake risk.
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