Vattenfall controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2016
German lignite and community displacement criticism
Environmental and community groups criticized Vattenfall’s open-pit lignite mining and associated power stations because of high carbon intensity and the relocation of communities as mines expanded.
2013
Hamburg grid ownership controversy
Vattenfall faced criticism over lobbying efforts connected with retaining ownership of Hamburg’s electricity grid. A referendum and subsequent political negotiations led to the sale of the electricity and district-heating networks to the city.
2013
Berlin energy re-municipalization campaign
The Berlin Energy Table coalition sought public control of energy distribution and end-user operations associated with Vattenfall. The referendum narrowly missed its quorum, but Berlin subsequently established a public utility.
2007
Krümmel nuclear plant transformer fire
A transformer fire at the partly Vattenfall-owned Krümmel nuclear plant caused a shutdown lasting more than two years. A further transformer short circuit in 2009 led to another closure and intensified political criticism in Schleswig-Holstein.