In its quest to produce electric power in the most efficient manner possible both today and in the future, E.ON Energie is conducting a series of research projects and constantly improves existing power generation techniques.

When attempting to enhance efficiency, the main task at hand is to extract more energy from less fuel.In coal- and gas-fired power stations, this ratio is expressed as the plant´s degree of efficiency.Current coal power plants have an average efficiency level of 38%.Ongoing projects strive to increase efficiency to 46% and over 50% in the long term.Efficiencies of cutting-edge combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants are set to exceed 58%.Another goal is to continue reducing CO₂ emissions and thus make a contribution to protecting our climate.

Efficiency enhancements in conventional power stations can be achieved by optimizing existing plant technology, e.g. by combining the use of new high-temperature-resistant materials and elevating the temperature of the steam used to drive the turbines.The actual turbines are also being refined, enabling them to contribute to generating electricity even more efficiently.An example of this approach is the next-generation gas turbine that is currently being tested in the Bavarian town of Irsching, Germany.