RWE : wants to build several gas-fired power stations.

WAZ: Mr Valerius, RWE has signalled its intention to build several hydrogen-capable gas-fired power stations in Germany - so that the Group's coal-fired power stations can be taken off the grid in a few years' time. But it is still largely unclear where these gas-fired power stations are to be built. What is RWE still waiting for?

Nikolaus Valerius: We are ready. Our planning for the projects is well advanced. We envisage building hydrogen-capable gas-fired power stations in Germany with a capacity of three gigawatts by 2030. That corresponds to several large stations. However, we still lack clarity as to exactly what the tenders planned by the German government, in which we want to participate, will look like and when they will take place. Therefore, the ball is in the politicians' court. Incidentally, we are already doing everything we can to prepare for this, and we are also spending money on it.

WAZ: The German government presented the main features of its power plant strategy back in February.

Nikolaus Valerius: There are key points, but no details. We still don't have the answers to key questions. For example: how should the stations be remunerated? When do the gas-fired power stations have to be fully converted to hydrogen? Who will guarantee that there will be enough hydrogen? These are issues that we also need to discuss with potential plant constructors. And we can only do this in a binding manner if it is clear which rules apply to the new power stations.

WAZ: Is it still possible to phase out coal-fired power generation by 2030?

Nikolaus Valerius: It will be tight, but it is possible. As far as we know, the German government wants to present a law for the power plant strategy by the summer recess. This is intended to lay down the rules for the auctions just mentioned. If things go well, the first auctions could start in the second half of the year. The long-term market design will also be addressed and a capacity market prepared. This means that power plant operators will receive remuneration for making stations available that can be ramped up quickly when the wind is not blowing and the sun is hidden behind clouds. The stations will therefore have as little operating time as possible but will always be available as a reserve. Like the fire brigade, which is paid even when there is no fire.

WAZ: As a rule, the fire brigade is not organised as a private company. What return requirements do you have for your power stations, which are supposed to act like a fire brigade?

Nikolaus Valerius: We have to measure our investments against the fact that they generate appropriate returns. Otherwise the money will flow into other areas.

WAZ: Such a capacity market has very little to do with a market economy - is that right?

Nikolaus Valerius: Of course not. In the auctions, the most favourable bidder will win the contract. So there is competition. We are familiar with similar procedures from England. They are tried and tested and work well.

WAZ: Why didn't RWE take the entrepreneurial risk and start building gas-fired power stations long ago?

Nikolaus Valerius: Because the power stations will never pay for themselves. They should run as little as possible, namely only when renewables are not producing. That's why these backup power stations will need funding. We cannot invest if it is unclear whether a project is economically viable.

WAZ: It is already known that you want to build a hydrogen-capable combined-cycle gas turbine power station with an output of around 800 megawatts at RWE's Weisweiler site in the Rhenish mining area by the end of the decade. Where are further power stations to be built?

Nikolaus Valerius: Power plant sites that we already have are the main candidates. I'm thinking of Voerde on the Lower Rhine, Hamm in Westphalia or the Gersteinwerk in Werne. We are also looking at potentially suitable sites in southern Germany.

WAZ: You are relying on plant manufacturers from Italy and Spain for the planned gas-fired power station in Weisweiler: Ansaldo Energia and Tecnicas Reunidas. If the German government is investing a lot of money in the construction of these backup power stations, it is probably also interested in ensuring that domestic manufacturers benefit. After all, Siemens Energy is an important player on the market.

Nikolaus Valerius: In large tenders for plant construction projects, we can only proceed according to competitive principles. There is no predetermination. Siemens turbines are certainly running in many RWE power stations. But one thing is clear: every supplier has to prove itself anew in new construction projects.

WAZ: Hydrogen is still rare and expensive in Germany. What makes you so sure that the construction of hydrogen-capable gas-fired power stations makes sense?

Nikolaus Valerius: We are talking about a market that is developing rapidly. But of course there is still a lot to do. We need a functioning hydrogen infrastructure, and we need a lot more hydrogen than we have in Germany today. To achieve this, we also need to expand the import of hydrogen. But one thing is also clear: Europe and Germany have the clear goal, supported by society, of becoming climate neutral. To achieve this, we need modern power plants that can be operated in a climate-neutral way.