Coal is the world's main electricity source, and the International Energy Agency (IEA) agrees with predictions according to which by 2035 the global coal demand will increase by 65%.
In order to make this source increasingly sustainable and eco-friendly, Enel invested obtaining successful achievements in research and technological development of highly efficient clean coal: a commitment that has also led to significant international partnerships.
Enel's supremacy is not limited to technological research: consistently with the objectives of social responsibility and stakeholder involvement, during 2011 the Group worked jointly with the main European utilities to launch Bettercoal, an initiative that promotes the constant improvement of corporate responsibility in the global coal supply chain.
Officially established on April 18th. 2012, Bettercoal promotes and supports mining companies so that they can adopt and improve best practices on human and working rights, corporate ethics, the environment and the way in which the coal supply affects communities, through a shared set of standards and the participation of stakeholders.
The initiative is based on a code of behaviour, presently being shared with the main global stakeholders, including trade unions, NGOs and coal supplying companies. Based on this code, Bettercoal and its members will ask coal suppliers to self-assess their standards and to be assessed by independent third parties. The results of these evaluations, like possible subsequent corrective measures, will be recorded within a database which will be made available to Bettercoal members, in compliance with and antitrust laws and regulation.
