Viewed realistically, it will not be possible to cover our future energy requirements with renewable energies alone, even if we expand regenerative energies, save energy and achieve efficiency enhancements. In terms of the energy mix, it will not yet be possible to do without fossil fuels in the coming decades. Price competition has intensified on the electricity and gas markets and private and industrial customers’ willingness to change supplier has risen. The use of innovative technologies with increased energy efficiency and the trend towards saving energy will lead energy consumption volumes in Germany to stagnate, or even to decline. According to further forecasts, commodity and energy prices will rise again in the longer term. Starting in 2013, CO ₂ emissions rights will no longer be allocated free of charge. This will impact negatively on the profitability of electricity generation.

In our waste business, we see the market climate as becoming more difficult. We expect to see further incineration facilities, especially refuse-derived fuel (RDF) power plants, taking up operations in Germany. The introduction of additional capacity and the expected decline in waste volumes will lead to a fall in waste prices.