Energy Future

The Energy Gap

The UK Government and energy companies are looking for a solution. When figuring out which energy sources can fill the energy gap, they need to consider five factors:

Is it plentiful?

Find out how much of each energy source is available for generating electricity.

Is it secure?

Find out how easy or difficult it is to buy the fuel for each of the energy sources.

Is it predictable?

Find out which energy sources can be relied on to generate consistent, predictable levels of electricity.

Is it affordable?

Find out how much it costs for energy companies to generate electricity using each energy source.

Is it clean?

Find out how much each energy source contributes to global climate change when it’s used to generate electricity.

The Energy Mix

No single energy source can fill the gap. The UK needs to find a mix that balances each source's pros and cons, and to use energy more efficiently. See which sources could form the mix:

Hydro

Hydro power stations are reliable, clean and long-lived, but nearly all of the suitable sites in the UK have been developed. See what role hydro can play in the solution.

Solar

Solar energy is clean and practically inexhaustible, but it can only generate electricity during the day. See what role solar can play in the solution.

Wind

The wind is a clean and renewable energy source, but it is unpredictable and can be expensive to harness. See what role wind can play in the solution.

Coal

Coal is plentiful and reliable, but contributes to climate change. See what role coal can play in the solution.

Gas

Gas is reliable, but the UK's reserves are running out and it contributes to climate change. See what role gas can play in the solution.

Nuclear

Nuclear power is reliable, clean and affordable, but generates radioactive waste. See what role nuclear can play in the solution.

Oil

Oil is reliable, but all the UK's oil power stations plan to shut down by the year 2015. See what role oil can play in the solution.

EDF Energy's Approach

EDF is committed to helping the UK bridge the energy gap with a mix of energy sources to generate electricity, balancing the needs of low-carbon emissions, security of supply and affordability.

In the UK, the company operates two coal-fired power stations, eight nuclear power stations and 20 wind farms. It plans to build efficient new gas-fired power stations and replace some of the nuclear fleet which is due to retire with four new reactors at existing sites.