1.4.4.4.4 Renewable energy generation
Deep geothermal energy
The ÉS group is one of the leading players in deep geothermal energy in France. It has been operating the first deep geothermal power plant for industrial use at Rittershoffen for three years now.
Output from the Rittershoffen power plant has constantly risen, and should achieve an annual average of approximately 180 GWh (thermal) of renewable superheated water from a geothermal source located a depth of over 2,500 metres.
ÉS also operates the Soultz-sous-Forêts power plant, which generated 6.3GW(electric) in 2019.
In 2017, ÉS launched the Illkirch Graffenstaden geothermal project, designed to supply power to the future heating network of the Innovation Park and surrounding areas. This project is being carried out by the wholly-owned subsidiary, ÉS IllkirchGéothermie. This project is designed to produce both heat and electricity. The first borehole reached the target depth of 3,400 metres in August 2019. The second borehole is due to be drilled after additional studies to take on board the lessons learned from the first borehole, in particular as regards the geology.
Biomass
In the field of biomass, the biomass cogeneration power plant produces 70GWh of renewable electricity and 112GWh of renewable heat, supplied to two of the city of Strasbourg three heating networks.
Hydropower
In September 2019, ÉS inaugurated the newly renovated Framont hydropower plant after several months of works. The only one of its kind in the Grand-Est region, with a drop of 70 metres via penstocks, the power plant, with a capacity of 400kW, will allow production of 1,500 MWh/year, equivalent to the energy use of 350 homes.
1.4.5 International activities of the Group
1.4.5.1 United Kingdom
EDF group activity in the United Kingdom (UK) is led by EDF Energy and EDF Trading (see 1.4.6.3 “Optimisation and Trading: EDF Trading”).
EDF Energy is principally active in the generation of electricity in the UK, the supply of electricity and gas to domestic and business customers, providing energy and technical services; in the construction of new nuclear generation and owns a minority stake in development and operation of renewable energy project through a joint-venture with EDF Renewables.
EDF Energy is one of the UK’s largest energy companies and the largest producer of low-carbon electricity, producing around 15% of the nation’s electricity from its nuclear power stations, coal and gas power stations and combined heat and power plants.
The company supplies gas and electricity to 5.36 million business and residential customer accounts as at December 2019.
In partnership with China General Nuclear Corporation (CGN), EDF Energy is building a power plant on its Hinkley Point site in Somerset (EDF holds 66.5% andCGN 33.5%) and participates in the development of further New Nuclear projects at Sizewell in Suffolk (EDF owns 80% and CGN 20% at development stage) and Bradwell in Essex (EDF owns 33.5% and CGN 66.5% at development stage).
The company employs around 11,834 people at sites throughout the UK as at December 2019.
Total electricity generated overall in Great Britain in 2019 was c.336TWh and total electricity supplied in the UK was c.294 TWh. Total gas supplied to UK domestic customers in 2019 was 289 TWh.
2019 Installed capacity and output in the United Kingdom
Installed capacity
in MW
- Gas (3) 1,333 MW 11%
- Nuclear (1) 8,923 MW 73%
- Coal (2) 1,987 MW 16%
- 12,243 MW
Output
in TWh
- Gas (3) 6.2 TWh 10%
- Nuclear (1) 51 TWh 86%
- Coal (2) 2.5 TWh 4%
- 59.6 TWh
(1) The figures shown represent 100% of Nuclear capacity and generation output, shared 80%/20% by EDF and Centrica.
(2) Coal capacity represents transmission entry capacity.
(3) Including 1.35 MW of Barkantine CHP.
NB: The values correspond to the expression to the first decimal or integer closest to the sum of the precise values, taking into account rounding.