During Wintershall dea’s 2023 Q2 Media Round Table, Petroleum Today, asked Mr. MARIO MEHREN, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), that, In addition to reducing emissions within its operations, what are some of the ways Wintershall Dea contributes to broader environmental and social goals in the regions where it operates?

Wintershall Dea is transforming from the leading European independent gas and oil company to become a leading European independent gas and carbon management company. 

We have set ourselves ambitious targets: We want to become net zero across our entire upstream operations – both operated and non-operated – by 2030 and achieve a 25% net reduction by 2025 based on 2020 figures. This includes Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) greenhouse gas emissions on an equity share basis. Wintershall Dea targets to also bring its methane emissions intensity below 0.1% by 2025. 

We endorsed the World Bank’s initiative ‘Zero Routine Flaring by 2030’ and continue to support the initiative aimed at eliminating routine flaring in operated assets by 2030. In addition, we plan to reduce emissions resulting from the use of hydrocarbons by applying CCS and low-carbon hydrogen technologies, we support decarbonisation efforts by building up a CCS and hydrogen business to potentially abate 20-30 million tonnes of CO2 per annum by 2040. That’s the equivalent of half of all the German cars on the road. Or equivalent to sixty per cent of CO2 emissions from the German steel industry. 

When it comes to our environmental and social goals in the regions where we operate, we are aware of the impact our business activities have on the environment and local communities. We therefore assume our responsibility by setting high environmental standards and continuously working towards reducing the environmental footprint of our operations across our entire portfolio and by engaging in an open and responsive dialogue with affected communities. 
Regarding environmental protection, for example, we focus on water management, biodiversity, air emissions as well as oil spills and substance releases plus waste management and decommissioning.

Our social goals are focused on our employees, health, safety and security as well as responsible partnerships.