First Minister opens new EDF Energy centre in Edinburgh

• Centre will support planned EDF Energy Renewables expansion in Scotland
• EDF Energy signs up to Scottish Business Pledge
• CEO announces EDF Energy sponsorship of Edinburgh International Science Festival and commitment to grow Scottish business 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has opened a new centre for EDF Energy Renewables in Edinburgh which will support the company’s ambitious growth plans in Scotland. 

During the opening ceremony, EDF Energy’s CEO Vincent de Rivaz signed the Scottish Business Pledge, the Scottish Government initiative to boost productivity, competitiveness and the involvement of workers in businesses.

He also announced a new three year partnership with Edinburgh International Science Festival as part of the company’s wider programme to inspire Scottish youngsters to take up careers in science and technology and to boost skills and education.

EDF Energy is Scotland’s largest generator of low carbon electricity, producing 40% of the country’s electricity, employing more than 1,300 people and supplying Scotland’s local authorities, schools, public buildings and hospitals.  This morning Provost Tom Kerr of West Lothian Council opened EDF Energy Renewables’ latest six turbine 19.2MW windfarm at Pearie Law.  Today’s announcements show the company’s ambition to develop its Scottish business and its commitment to Scotland’s industry, skills and education. 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“I’m delighted that EDF Energy shares our confidence in a bright future for renewables in Scotland, as evidenced by this office opening today. EDF Energy Renewables has built strong relationships with Scottish industry – making a commitment to use towers manufactured in Scotland by CS Wind UK, using local supply chain companies, wherever possible, and developing renewables in areas like the Western Isles. It’s fantastic to see this Edinburgh office is set to create a further 35 jobs.  

“We achieved the equivalent of almost 60% of Scotland’s electricity demand from renewables in 2015, and as we race towards achieving the equivalent of 100% gross electricity consumption from renewables by 2020, this will further boost our energy sector and economy. We will outline our plan for Scotland’s energy future in our draft Energy Strategy later this month. 

“EDF Energy’s commitment to the Scottish Business Pledge is demonstrable – investing in a plethora of STEM activities for young people, employing more than 50 Modern Apprentices and achieving Living Wage accreditation. Their three-year investment in the Edinburgh International Science Festival further cements their ambitions with regard to community engagement at a cultural and educational level. It’s great to see their commitment to the Pledge formalised today as we continue our work with businesses to build a fairer and more prosperous Scotland.”

EDF Energy Vincent de Rivaz CEO said:

“Scotland matters to EDF Energy. We are determined to play a big role in developing the country’s energy potential and boosting the long term benefits for industry, jobs and skills. Sponsoring Edinburgh International Science Festival, the opening of a new wind farm and the Edinburgh renewables centre are further evidence of our commitment to Scotland.

“We are already the largest generator of low carbon electricity in Scotland and have plans to significantly increase our renewables capacity.  Many residential customers in Scotland haven’t considered switching supplier – we believe that presents us with an opportunity to grow by helping more people to choose a better deal.”

Scottish Business Pledge

Today Vincent de Rivaz also signed the Scottish Government’s Business Pledge. It is a series of nine commitments which support sustainable and responsible business growth.

As a Living Wage Employer and the first energy company to achieve the UK’s most comprehensive assessment of diversity and inclusion in business, the National Equality Standard award, EDF Energy has fulfilled all the elements of the pledge.

EDF Energy Renewables

EDF Energy Renewables’ new Edinburgh centre will support its development plans in Scotland. It already has 270 MW of wind power in operation in Scotland, 215 MW under construction, 400 MW consented and 800 MW of capacity in planning and development.

EDF Energy Renewables’ Chief Executive, Matthieu Hue, said: “Scotland has huge potential for renewable energy and we see it as key area of growth.  We are making significant contributions to communities around our wind farms and this year we will award £1.5 million to local people.  We are also working to involve Scottish companies in our supply chain.”

Edinburgh International Science Festival

The partnership with Edinburgh International Science Festival means EDF Energy will become the main sponsor of the festival and its school education programme, Generation Science.  It is part of EDF Energy’s commitment to investing in education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

The sponsorship announcement follows the Edinburgh launch of the EDF Energy Pretty Curious programme, which encourages girls to choose STEM subjects and careers.  Around 350 girls aged 12 and 13 years old joined a hands-on science event in the capital in November. 

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Notes to editors

Notes for Editors:

1. EDF Energy has committed to all the elements of the Scottish Business Pledge. The nine elements can be viewed on the Scottish Business Pledge website.
2. EDF Energy Renewables is a 50:50 joint venture between EDF Energy and EDF Energies Nouvelles. EDF Energies Nouvelles is the renewables arm of EDF Group based in France.
3. EDF Energy recently launched the second year of its Pretty Curious campaign, which focuses on encouraging young girls into STEM subject and welcomed around 350 girls aged 12 and 13 years old girls to take part in the EDF Energy Pretty Curious studio in Edinburgh.
4. Edinburgh International Science Festival, founded in 1989, is an educational charity that aims to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the world around them.
5. The next Festival takes place from 1–16 April 2017, exploring the intersection of science and technology with the digital and creative industries in the Information/Digital age through the programme theme Our Connected World. The full programme for the Festival will launch on 16 February 2017.
6. The main project in the education programme is Generation Science, which visits schools across Scotland from February to May each year. In the most recent tour the Generation Science delivered over 1,600 interactive science shows and workshops in over 600 primary schools, reaching over 58,000 pupils. 

EDF Energy

EDF Energy is the UK’s largest producer of low-carbon electricity, meeting around one-fifth of the country’s demand and supplying millions of customers and businesses with electricity and gas.

It generates electricity with eight nuclear power stations, more than 30 wind farms, one gas and two coal power stations, as well as with combined heat and power plants.

EDF Energy is leading the UK's nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C. This will provide low carbon electricity to meet 7% of UK demand. The project is already making a positive impact on the local and national economy, British industry, as well as boosting skills and education. EDF Energy also invests in a range of low carbon technologies including renewables and battery storage. It is applying research and development expertise to improve the performance of existing generation and developing the potential of new technologies.

The company provides gas and electricity for more than 5 million customer accounts and is the biggest supplier of electricity by volume in Great Britain and the largest supplier to British businesses. It offers innovative energy systems for commercial customers and digital innovation for customers at home. EDF Energy has also launched its own innovation accelerator, Blue Lab, which focuses on making customers’ lives easier.

Through its Better Energy Ambitions, EDF Energy has developed comprehensive environmental and social programmes which have been recognised by a wide range of organisations.

EDF Energy is part of EDF Group, the world’s biggest electricity generator. In the UK, the company employs around 13,000 people at locations across England and Scotland.

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