Responsibility for
planet and climate

SEFE is helping to reshape the energy system with a clear focus on reducing emissions and protecting the environment. The shift to a low-carbon economy is among the greatest challenges of our time.
SEFE embraces this responsibility through tangible actions – by cutting emissions, expanding climate-friendly infrastructure and fostering more sustainable practices along the entire value chain.

REDUCING EMISSIONS

Transforming infrastructure, reducing emissions

The transformation of the energy system opens up new possibilities. For SEFE, this means seizing opportunities, acting responsibly and delivering measurable progress. Our environmental targets cover all sources of emissions: direct emissions (Scope 1), indirect emissions from energy supply (Scope 2) and supply chain emissions (Scope 3).

At the same time, we’re expanding our portfolio of low-carbon energy. The expansion of our hydrogen and electricity business plays a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the secure, climate-friendly energy supply of the future.

Reducing Scope 1 and 2

We’re continuously working to lower emissions from our own operations. For Scope 1 and 2, we aim to achieve a 50% reduction by 2030 compared to the 2021 baseline. Key measures include the decommissioning of our sole gas-fired power plant and improving the efficiency of our storage and pipeline facilities. Switching to electricity from renewable sources further contributes to achieving our targets.

How we're minimising our footprint

We’re driving emissions reductions across multiple areas of our operations. Key actions include enhancing the efficiency of existing infrastructure, shifting to renewables and implementing advanced energy management standards.

SEFE Storage is optimising its storage facilities with a focus on energy consumption and long-term decarbonisation. At the Haidach site, solar panels on the roof now supply power to the site and an electric vehicle charging station, and additional measures are planned to further improve the climate performance of our storage operations.

The SEFE group’s transmission network operators already utilise renewable energy to run their compressors. Opportunities are being evaluated to replace gas compressors with electric compressors – supporting the goal of decarbonising the pipeline business.

In collaboration with building owners, we’re improving energy efficiency in our offices. At the Kassel site, for example, we use 100% green electricity, have replaced outdated lighting with modern LED systems, and installed solar panels on the roof.

To reduce methane emissions, we’ve equipped our Rehden and Jemgum storage sites with advanced leak detection systems based on laser and ultrasound technology. These sensors identify potential leaks in real time – enabling immediate action and enhanced safety.

IMPROVING SUPPLY CHAINS

Tracking all emissions

Over 95% of our total emissions fall under Scope 3. That’s why we’re engaging closely with suppliers to understand how upstream emissions can be reduced, and with customers to offer them lower carbon projects.

By 2030, we aim to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 15% compared to the 2021 baseline. This objective is embedded in our long-term ESG strategy and directly aligned with the growth of a lower carbon product portfolio.

Tangible measures for Scope 3

A significant share of our Scope 3 emissions stems from areas beyond our direct control. Nevertheless, we’re taking action – focusing on lower-emission supply chains, more efficient transport solutions and strategic offset initiatives.

Optimising LNG vessel performance

In partnership with Signol, we’re piloting a behaviour-based approach to cutting emissions on two LNG vessels. More than 20 behavioural factors have been identified that influence fuel consumption – including optimal trim, optimal sailing and efficient engine use.

Reforestation project in Kazakhstan

In collaboration with SAFC, we’re expanding a reforestation initiative to 5,000 hectares, with potential up to 30,000 hectares. The project supports biodiversity, improves the microclimate, captures CO₂ and strengthens local communities. A pilot on 1,500 hectares is already underway.

Carbon sequestration in Australia

We’re supporting our partner InterEarth with a long-term carbon storage initiative. Drought-tolerant eucalyptus trees are planted on degraded land, then coppiced and buried in specially designed chambers – safely locking away carbon for at least 100 years.

Collecting emissions data from suppliers

To support our Scope 3 reduction efforts, we’re systematically gathering emissions data from upstream suppliers – including footprint profiles and existing mitigation measures. These insights help build transparency and identify effective action across the value chain.

PAVING THE WAY

Our contribution

We’re driving the energy transition with two clear goals. First, by 2030, we aim to supply over 25 terawatt hours of low-carbon energy annually – including green electricity, biomethane, hydrogen and energy backed by renewable guarantees of origin. Second, we’re investing in infrastructure to enable the transport and storage of hydrogen. Both activities are embedded in our ESG strategy – linking energy security with climate action. They build on our existing expertise and lay the groundwork for the long-term decarbonisation of the energy system.

We’re forging strategic partnerships to source and deliver large volumes of low-carbon energy with reliability and scale. Our priorities include: supplying certified electricity from renewable sources; developing power purchase agreements (PPAs) for industrial customers. Drawing on decades of expertise in the gas sector, we’re systematically building a sustainable energy value chain for the future.

We’re growing our power portfolio with a focus on renewable sources and robust guarantees of origin. Across several countries, we provide power products tailored to meet a wide range of customer needs. Our priorities include: supplying certified electricity from hydropower, wind and solar energy; offering products with guarantees of origin in selected countries; developing power purchase agreements (PPAs) for industrial customers; and expanding our offer of country-specific products.

Read more

Together with partners from Brazil (Eletrobras), Kuwait (EnerTech) and Saudi Arabia (ACWA Power), we’re establishing international supply chains for green hydrogen. From 2030 onwards, our goal is to import around 400,000 tonnes annually to Germany and Europe. Production will rely on hydropower and other renewable sources, ensuring a low-carbon footprint. These partnerships not only enhance European energy security – they also reflect our commitment to actively shaping and scaling the global hydrogen economy.

More about our collaboration with Eletrobras and EnerTech
More about our collaboration with ACWA Power

Through our subsidiary GASCADE, we’re advancing the development of Germany’s hydrogen core network. Two flagship projects are at the centre of this effort: the onshore initiative “Flow – making hydrogen happen” and the offshore pipeline AquaDuctus. Both are integral to the emerging German hydrogen infrastructure and aim to connect centres of production and consumption across Europe. By laying these structural foundations, we’re helping to shape a well-functioning hydrogen market.

Read more

In Jemgum, SEFE Storage is planning the construction of large-scale caverns for hydrogen storage. The site offers highly favourable geological conditions, and its proximity to Germany’s emerging hydrogen core network makes it a strategically important location. Over the long term, the facility is expected to provide around 500 GWh of storage capacity – forming a crucial building block for flexibility and supply security in tomorrow’s hydrogen economy.

Read more