Net zero means we reduce greenhouse gas emissions to a minimum, and balance any we do emit by removing an equal amount.

Why is it important we reach Net Zero?

As we’re now fully aware, one of the big reasons global temperatures are steadily rising is because of greenhouse gas emissions. The cars we drive, the homes we heat and the food we eat – they all produce carbon which ends up in the earth’s atmosphere, creating a ‘blanket’ that traps polluting greenhouse gasses and stops heat from escaping. Even an increase of a few degrees could have catastrophic consequences for humanity, causing a rise in sea levels, declining water supplies and widespread wildfires.

What are greenhouse gas emissions?

Greenhouse gas emissions come from anything that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This could be the jet plane you take to go on holiday, the gas central heating system that keeps you warm, the charger you plug into the wall which uses electricity to recharge your phone, or the games console you play at home.

What is carbon offsetting?

It’s widely believed that if we can achieve Net Zero carbon emissions – so the amount of carbon we put into the atmosphere is equivalent to the amount we take out (also known as ‘offset’) – we stand a chance of slowing down its effects. However, simply offsetting all our carbon emissions isn't enough. Many carbon offsetting schemes have sprung up in recent years, promising to compensate for emissions through tree planting programmes. This has become associated with ‘greenwashing’, allowing businesses to claim to be low carbon without materially reducing their emissions. True Net Zero is about reducing emissions to a minimum and balancing anything we do emit by removing carbon from the atmosphere using carbon sinks or carbon storage technology.

What is a carbon sink?

As the name suggests, carbon sinks absorb carbon from the atmosphere. Plants, trees, rivers, oceans, peatlands and green spaces are all carbon sinks, as they’re living things that need carbon dioxide to exist. It’s why the Amazon – the world’s largest rainforest – has been nicknamed the ‘planet’s lungs’.

How we’re helping our customers who are most in need this winter

Notes

UK Fuel Mix disclosure information published by Government Department DESNZ (PDF, 173 KB), recognises electricity from wind, solar and nuclear fuel produces zero carbon dioxide emissions at the point of generation.

The zero-carbon electricity purchased is supplied to the National Grid. Customers receive electricity via the National Grid, not directly from zero-carbon generators.

The below table summarises zero-carbon generation by company demonstrating EDF generating 19.8%. The data supporting the table below and the % values is sourced from a mixture of industry settlement data and the UK government renewable obligation database.

Company	Nuclear / Onshore wind / offshore wind / solar / biomass / hydro TWh 2022	% of total zero carbon generation
EDF	36.2	19.8%
Drax	13.3	7.3%
Orsted	11	6.0%
RWE	10.2	5.6%
SSE	9.7	5.3%
Centrica	8.7	4.8%
Scottish Power	7.7	4.2%
Greencoat	5.4	3.0%
Macquarie	4.3	2.4%
Vattenfall	2.9	1.6%
Other generators	73.3	40.1

Sources: UK figures from company reports; EDF analysis; total zero carbon generation for 2022 from DESNZ Energy Trends 5.1

Note: The SSE figure is for the financial year 2022/23. All EDF generation in the UK is currently located in GB.

How we’re helping our customers who are most in need

Partnerships to help our customers manage their energy

CARE steps of support

Cost

Affordability

Resolution

Extra Support

Help and support for customers

Together, we will help Britain achieve Net Zero

Our sustainability progress update

Smart meters - helping you save

Priority Services Register

Notes