EDF plans to spend a total of £4.5 billion in 2023 on the development of new electricity generation from clean energy sources.
The company has previously committed to spending £50 billion in helping the UK achieve net zero by 2050. The progress it has made towards that goal is enormous – with it now the UK’s biggest generator of zero carbon electricity, having achieved a carbon intensity at the point of generation of 0gCO2/MWh earlier this year.
Plans to expand the amount of clean energy that EDF produces are already well underway, with the firm investing in both traditional renewables, such as solar and wind, as well as new nuclear power plants.
It aims to build three 50MW solar farms in Porth Wen, Sutton Bridge and Burwell, while EDF’s Neart na Gaoithe 450MW offshore wind farm will have the potential to supply around 375,000 Scottish homes by 2024.
Additionally, EDF completed the construction of the 30MW West Benhar wind farm, while EDF Renewables’ largest onshore wind farm in Europe, the 177MW facility in Dorenell, has provided power for around 106,000 homes since 2019.
Of course, EDF is also committed to the development of nuclear power – that includes a new 3.2 GW European Pressurised Water Reactor (EPR) at Hinkley Point C, as well as “advanced plans” for a similar reactor at Sizewell C in Suffolk.
Both Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C will benefit from the UK Government’s own commitment towards nuclear energy. Last month it was revealed that the Government had spent an additional £170 million on the nuclear power station at SIzewell C, with hopes of speeding up construction. It later upped that investment to £341 million.
Simone Rossi, CEO at EDF, commented, “Much has happened since we set out our purpose to help Britain to achieve net zero three years ago. Two years of energy crisis have been a stark reminder that progress to net zero must also deliver secure and affordable energy for homes and businesses.
“Action at scale and pace is needed. At EDF we are unwavering in our commitment because we are clear what’s good for net zero is good for Britain’s energy security and protects customers from volatile energy prices. A just transition also creates massive economic opportunity for businesses and communities up and down the country.
“That’s why alongside our net zero ambitions, our sustainable business plan sets out how we continue to support our customers, provide a great place to work and make a broad positive contribution to society.”