Environmental Protection

We place considerable emphasis on air protection. RWE Gas Storage CZ mainly emits carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and methane (CH₄) into the atmosphere. The company operates two sources with a permit to emit CO₂, namely UGS Háje and UGS Třanovice.

UGS Třanovice is located in the Moravian-Silesian Region, which suffers from air pollution. For this reason, when the facility underwent major expansion and modernization between 2009 and 2012, we chose to use only state-of-the-art technologies friendly to the environment. In addition, NOx emission limits for newly installed turbines and compressors have been tightened by the authorities from 300 mg/m³ to a mere 30 mg/m³, and in the case of gas heating, from 200 mg/m³ to 80.

The operation of underground gas storage facilities creates only a minimum amount of wastewater as defined by the Water Act (No. 254/2001). This water is biologically treated in our in-house wastewater treatment plants and then discharged into a nearby watercourse. Each wastewater treatment plant has its own emission limits, compliance with which is regularly reviewed by internal audits and the authorities. In some facilities, rainwater is collected and used for irrigation of greenery.

When withdrawing natural gas from underground gas storage, so-called reservoir water is produced by the removal of moisture. This water, classified as mine water by the Mining Act (No. 44/1988), is then re-used and therefore not discharged into the groundwater or surface water.

Our approach to waste management is based on a simple idea: prevent the production of waste as much as possible, recycle, and – when absolutely necessary – incinerate waste or safely dispose it in landfills.

In the course of operation of underground gas storage facilities and investment activities, a whole range of waste, including hazardous waste, is produced. RWE Gas Storage CZ has taken a number of measures to minimize the impact on the environment such as the storage of waste in special containers and tanks, which are regularly tested and monitored by an on-line monitoring system to prevent leakage. The company has of course also established very specific procedures in the event of an emergency aimed at preventing environmental damage.