EDF comments on British energy security strategy

EDF welcomes the Government’s ambition for further investment in wind, nuclear and solar. EDF is focussed on that future today.

We are delivering our new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C and working hard, with Government, on a replica at Sizewell C. These are key foundations for further plans for nuclear.  EDF is also looking at extending the operational life of Sizewell B power station by at least 20 years, from 2035 to 2055. Together Sizewell B, Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C could deliver reliable low carbon power for more than 15 million homes.

EDF Renewables’ offshore wind project Neart na Gaoithe in the Firth of Forth is under construction and our Gwynt Glas floating offshore wind project in the Celtic Sea is in development. EDF Renewables has 2GW of onshore wind and 3GW of solar in the development pipeline.

EDF’s UK CEO Simone Rossi said:

“Britain is right to take control of its energy future, with a step change in ambition for electricity from wind, nuclear and solar, and greater energy efficiency.

“Building more new nuclear will reduce Britain’s dependence on overseas gas and keep energy prices stable, creating thousands of jobs while we’re doing it.  At Hinkley Point C we’re already building British nuclear, with 3600 British businesses and 22,000 people making it happen, including over 800 apprentices. The fastest way to get more nuclear in Britain is get on with the next two units at Sizewell C. It’s a copy of Hinkley Point C, the design is approved and ready to go, and British manufacturers are experts in how to build it. Building more of the same design is the best way to bring down costs and develop a strong UK supply chain.”

Hassaan Majid, Acting CEO of EDF Renewables UK said:

“Building more renewables as quickly as possible will help diversify our production sources and support security of supply.

The UK is a world leader in offshore wind and the sector continues to grow at pace, but deployment of renewables needs to be even faster. Onshore wind and solar are very competitive options. These technologies have extensive pipelines ready to build.

 “Ensuring barriers to quicker consenting and grid connections are removed, and that planning and regulatory bodies are guided by net zero, energy security and affordability objectives, are key to achieving the vision set out for the country.”

EDF is actively exploring life extension of Sizewell B of at least 20 years, to take output to 2055 or beyond. A final investment decision is anticipated by 2024, which would then be followed by the required capital investment in the plant, safety enhancements and obtaining the necessary approvals. 

EDF is also industry leader on the Energy Company Obligation, installing energy efficiency measures for customers in need. Better insulation is key to reducing Britain’s dependence on imported gas and to lowering bills, and is especially important ahead of next winter. The value of insulation increases significantly as bills rise: When bills were at £1,200 per year, loft insulation saved £165 a year. Against a £2,000 bill, savings are £250 a year.  In his Spring Statement, the Chancellor announced VAT relief for energy saving measures, which we welcomed. We would encourage a further push on energy efficiency.

ENDS