German energy company Uniper has agreed to sell its Datteln 4 coal-fired power plant to the ResInvest Group, marking a significant shift in the company’s portfolio and raising questions about the future of coal in Germany’s energy mix. The deal, which includes the plant’s coal infrastructure and associated heat generation facilities, is part of Uniper’s obligations under EU state aid law following the European Commission’s approval of a stabilization package for the company in December 2022.
The Datteln 4 power plant, commissioned in 2020, is a hard coal-fired power station with a net capacity of 1,052MW. Uniper has highlighted its efficiency and flexibility, noting that it delivers electricity to households, traction power to Deutsche Bahn, and district heating to thousands of residences across the northern Ruhr area. The plant currently employs over 100 people, and Uniper COO Holger Kreetz emphasized the importance of the team in ensuring the plant’s operations. “The EU conditions make the sale of the Datteln 4 power plant necessary,” Kreetz said. “The plant makes a significant contribution to energy supply – thanks above all to the highly professional and dedicated team that ensures operations with great passion.”
ResInvest Group founder and chair Tomáš Novotný expressed commitment to reliable operations and future energy needs. “By acquiring Datteln 4, we are pursuing our strategy of investing in infrastructure assets where we see long-term value,” Novotný said. “We are committed to ensuring reliable operations today, while remaining ready to meet future energy needs.”
The sale of Datteln 4 comes as Uniper looks to diversify its energy portfolio. This May, the company unveiled plans to build its first solar power farms in Sweden, in partnership with solar energy company Solgrid. This move towards renewable energy sources raises questions about the future of coal in Germany’s energy landscape. While coal has been a significant part of Germany’s energy mix, the country has been working to phase it out, with plans to shut down all coal-fired power plants by 2038.
The sale of Datteln 4 could signal a broader shift in the energy sector, as companies like Uniper look to adapt to changing market conditions and regulatory environments. It also highlights the ongoing tension between the need for reliable energy supply and the push towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the sale of Datteln 4 serves as a reminder of the complex challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.