Climate action

We are driving the transition towards a fossil-free energy system.

The climate crisis is one of the defining challenges of our time. To limit global warming in line with the Paris Agreement (1.5°C), a rapid transition away from fossil fuels is required across energy systems, industry, and society. At Vattenfall, driving this transition is both our responsibility and business strategy.

Our climate action approach

The transition to a fossil-free society is not only about reducing emissions. It requires a full value chain approach of scaling fossil-free solutions, investing in infrastructure, and supporting customers in their transition while respecting the ecosystems and communities that we operate in.

Our purpose
Our purpose is to enable the fossil freedom that drives society forward. We do this by enabling a fossil-free energy system.

Our plan
To enable a fossil-free energy system, our plan is scale fossil-free solutions while simultaneously reducing our dependency on fossil fuels throughout our value chain. We actively invest in fossil-free electricity generation, grids, flexibility solutions and supporting infrastructure needed for tomorrow’s energy system.

At the same time, we work to reduce emissions in our own operations, support customers in their transition away from fossil fuels and collaborate with partners and suppliers to lower emissions across society.

Our foundation
We believe sustainability, competitiveness and resilience go hand in hand. By integrating climate action into our business strategy, investments and operations, we strengthen our ability to create long-term value while adapting to a changing world.

Our principles
The energy transition must be achieved in a way that respects people, communities and ecosystems. We therefore integrate social and environmental considerations into our decision-making, investments and operations.

Misty lake with reeds in the foreground and a forested shoreline in the distance.

Climate transition plan

Vattenfall has always strived to meet society's changing energy needs. Building on a strong foundation, we continue to transform our business through strategic investments, divestments, and the phase-out of fossil assets. Our climate transition plan explains how we intend to continue this transformation and contribute to a fossil-free future.

Read about our climate transition plan

Our progress

We have already made significant progress in transitioning our business:

56% reduction of total emissions since 2017 (excluding the effect of divestments)
Coal completely phased out from our own operations in 2024
~90% of installed electricity generation capacity is fossil-free
~90% of electricity sales are fossil-free, including 100% fossil-free electricity sales in Sweden

Climate adaptation

We are building resilience in a changing climate. The impacts of climate change are already affecting societies, infrastructure and energy systems. Extreme weather events and changing climate patterns can impact both operations and security of supply. By combining climate mitigation and climate adaptation, we aim to build a business that can support society throughout the energy transition.

Our focus areas for climate change adaptation: 

Strengthen the long-term perspective in risk identification and assessment.
Continuously work to strengthen grids and infrastructure to increase preparedness.
Explicitly include climate change aspects (risks and opportunities) early in decision-making, especially for new investments and new asset development.