To enable our customers to see the impact the different fuel sources are having on the environment, and how we compare to the UK average, we have published our new fuel mix for 2006/07.
Our customers' total electricity demand comes from two sources: half is generated from our own UK gas and coal fire power stations; the remainder is purchased from other power generators via the wholesale market. Our power stations are among the cleanest and most efficient of their kind in the UK and we intend to keep them that way.
The information in the table below is for the period April 2006 to March 2007 and is consistent across all EDF Energy's Supply licensees.
| Fuel Source | EDF Energy Fuel Mix | Average UK Fuel Mix* |
| Coal | 47% | 36% |
| Gas | 29% | 39% |
| Nuclear | 17% | 18% |
| Renewables | 5% | 5% |
| Other | 2% | 2% |
| CO2 emissions | Radioactive Waste |
| 540 g/kWh | 0.00184 g/kWh |
* Source: Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
We are committed to ensuring that our renewable electricity investment is ongoing and long term. In fact, EDF Energy is a core part of EDF Group, which has by far the lowest intensity of carbon emissions amongst all of the major European electricity producers. To ensure this continues we at EDF Energy have set ourselves challenging climate commitment targets such as aiming to achieve a 60% reduction in carbon intensity from our electricity production by 2020. To find our more about our climate commitment targets visit our climate commitments.
Below are a few examples of the initiatives we are undertaking:
- We have recently spent around £240 million on SO2 emission reducing technology at our coal fired plants in Nottinghamshire. EDF Energy also co-fire with biomass at both stations.
- EDF Energy owns and operates two on-shore wind farms in the North East: High Hedley Hope in County Durham and Kirkheaton in Northumberland. Together they generate enough electricity to supply the annual power needs of around 2,500 homes. We are also pursuing further on and offshore wind developments and opportunities in other renewable technologies.
- With the help of many of our customers who have opted for our Green Tariff we have been able to set up our Green Fund which has raised to date £3m to help fund community based renewable projects across the country.
Our commitment to renewables not only includes the development of our own assets but also partnerships with other development companies and contracts under which we purchase electricity which enables the development of renewable projects by other companies.
Over the next 5 years, EDF Energy and its affiliates plan to invest in around 1,000 MW of UK renewable generation.
We are constantly looking at alternative fuel sources and are committed to producing as many low carbon solutions as we can in the long term. Click on the Our Investments tab to see details of our current and future investment initiatives including both renewable and low carbon generation via Combined Heat & Power.
As part of our commitment to the environment and the communities we are part of, we have invested in a number of projects that focus on renewable energy sources. Each of these initiatives will help further our knowledge in the renewable energy field and have a positive effect on our environment.
London Energy Services Company
The Mayor's London Climate Change Agency has chosen EDF Energy as partner to drive forward efficient energy supplies for London. This will involve developing local sustainable heating and cooling projects to allow energy to be produced and delivered closer to the point of use.
Northern Offshore Wind farm
A proposed 30 turbine power generation scheme capable of producing up to 100MW of electricity. That would be enough to supply the annual requirements of around 72,000 homes.
Combined Heat and Power Imperial College
In September 2001 EDF Energy officially signed over a new £8 million Combined Heat and Power project to the Imperial College in London. We built the plant and will operate it for the college for a 15 year period. The plant provides heating, hot water and electricity for the college campus. The Combined Heat and Power (CHP) engines serve the college buildings, lecture halls and the halls of residence for the 9,000 students.
Barkantine Heat and Power
A community project for an environmentally friendly mini power station located in a renovated sub station right in the heart of its own local community - the Barkantine Estate in Tower Hamlets. The station is about providing a real, lasting solution towards the eradication of global warming for everyday people.
Thames Valley Power
A joint venture between EDF Energy and ATCO Power operates and maintains the CHP plant that serves the cargo terminal at London’s Heathrow Airport.