What's powering your business? EDF’s generation mix and the UK’s path to energy security
The UK energy system is undergoing one of the most significant transitions in its history. As the country accelerates toward net zero, the challenge is not only to decarbonise but to do so while keeping the lights on and prices stable. Few organisations sit more centrally in this mission than EDF.
EDF’s UK generation mix, anchored by nuclear power and complemented by renewables, flexible gas and emerging technologies, positions the company as a cornerstone of the nation’s long term energy security strategy. Understanding how this mix works and why it matters, reveals a great deal about the future of Britain’s energy landscape. We want you as a small business to be proud to be powered by EDF.
🔋 A low carbon generation mix built for stability
EDF is the UK’s largest producer of low carbon electricity, with a portfolio designed to balance reliability and sustainability. Its generation mix typically includes:
- Nuclear baseload: The backbone of EDF’s UK operations. Nuclear stations such as Sizewell B and the remaining AGR fleet provide consistent, round-the-clock power, independent of weather conditions.
- Renewables: EDF Renewables operates a growing portfolio of onshore and offshore wind farms, solar parks and battery storage sites. These assets support decarbonisation and help balance the grid as renewable penetration increases.
- Flexible gas generation: While the UK phases down fossil fuels, gas remains essential for meeting peak demand and ensuring system flexibility. EDF’s gas plants play a stabilising role during periods of low wind or high consumption.
- Battery and storage technologies: EDF is investing in grid scale storage to smooth fluctuations in renewable output and support a more dynamic, decentralised energy system.
This blend gives EDF a uniquely balanced profile: low carbon at its core, but flexible enough to respond to real time system needs.
🛡️ Why EDF matters for UK energy security
Energy security is no longer just about having enough fuel. It’s about resilience, independence, and the ability to withstand global shocks. EDF’s strategy aligns closely with these national priorities.
1. Nuclear new‑build: Long‑term sovereignty
Hinkley Point C, the first new UK nuclear plant in a generation is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Europe. Once operational, it will deliver reliable, low carbon electricity for decades, powering millions of homes and reducing reliance on imported gas.
EDF is also progressing plans for Sizewell C, which would replicate the Hinkley design and further strengthen the UK’s domestic generation capacity.
2. Extending the life of existing nuclear stations
EDF has invested heavily in safely extending the operational life of its existing nuclear fleet. Each extension preserves vital baseload capacity and avoids the need for carbon intensive alternatives.
3. Scaling renewables across the UK
From offshore wind in the North Sea to solar farms in the South West, EDF Renewables is expanding clean generation across the country. These projects diversify the UK’s energy sources and reduce exposure to volatile global fuel markets.
4. Supporting grid flexibility
As the UK transitions to a renewables heavy system, flexibility becomes essential. EDF contributes through:
- Gas peaking plants that respond quickly to demand spikes
- Battery storage that stabilises renewable output
- Smart grid services that help National Grid balance supply and demand
5. Investing in future technologies
EDF is exploring innovations such as:
These technologies could reshape the UK’s energy system in the coming decades.
🌍 A Strategic partner in the UK’s Net‑Zero journey
The UK’s commitment to net zero by 2050 requires a generation mix that is clean, reliable and scalable. EDF’s portfolio - particularly its nuclear assets - provides a foundation that intermittent renewables alone cannot offer.
By combining long term nuclear investment with rapid renewable expansion and flexible backup systems, EDF is helping to build an energy system that is:
- Low carbon
- Resilient
- Affordable
- Future‑proof
In an era defined by geopolitical uncertainty and climate urgency, this combination is more important than ever.
Below is a table of our PPA (Power Purchase Agreement): 5Gw – the largest market share of low/zero carbon generation.
| Capacity MW | % of Capacity | Annualised Volume MWh | % of Annualised Volume | |
| Hydro | 94 | 2% | 421,888 | 4% |
| Other | 1,461 | 27% | 3,270,728 | 28% |
| Solar | 2,002 | 37% | 2,025,444 | 18% |
| Wind | 1,906 | 35% | 5,760,966 | 50% |
| Total | 5,464 | 100% | 11,479,026 | 100% |
If you want to power your business growth with Britain's biggest generator of zero carbon electricity get a quote today in 60 seconds here!
