EDF Group Reinforces Commitment to Climate Action and Net Zero Emissions at COP28

EDF Group Reinforces Commitment to Climate Action and Net Zero Emissions at COP28

(IN BRIEF) During the 28th United Nations Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP28), EDF Group has reiterated its dedication to combating climate change and achieving “net zero emissions.” The company supports various initiatives announced at COP28, including efforts to triple global nuclear and renewable energy production capacity by 2050. EDF is actively engaged in promoting the expansion of nuclear power and the growth of renewable energy sources, aligning with global commitments to increase renewable energy capacity and energy efficiency. Additionally, EDF is part of the “Utilities for Net Zero” alliance, collaborating with other power utilities to advance renewable energy efforts. EDF’s commitment to these initiatives is in line with its goal of achieving “zero net emissions” by 2050, focusing on decarbonization, electrification, and energy efficiency. The company has also signed partnership agreements for low-carbon generation projects in Togo and Kyrgyzstan, further contributing to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable energy solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 9-Dec-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — On the occasion of the 28th United Nations Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP28), EDF Group has reaffirmed its commitment for the climate and to achieving “net zero emissions”.

EDF supports a number of initiatives launched during the initial days of COP 28, in particular commitments to tripling nuclear and renewable energy production capacity worldwide:

• Nuclear: some twenty countries have signed a joint declaration calling for a tripling of the world’s nuclear energy capacity by 2050. As France prepares its programme of building new reactors, announced by the French President on 9th November 2021, the Group has reaffirmed its ambition to play a major role in the development of nuclear power in France and around the world.

• Renewable energy sources and energy efficiency: over 120 countries, including France, have pledged to triple the global installed renewable energy capacity and to double the annual rate of energy efficiency improvements from 2% to 4% by 2030. EDF Group is fully committed to this initiative.

• Net Zero Alliance: 25 global power utilities, including EDF, have joined forces with IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) to launch “Utilities for Net Zero” alliance.

EDF group also contributed to the Global Council on Energy Efficiency[1] report published in time for COP28. Coordinated by the World Council on Sustainable Development Goals, this report addresses critical aspects of energy efficiency development worldwide.
These initiatives are fully aligned with EDF Group’s raison d’être, which aims to achieve “zero net emissions” by 2050, based on three pillars: decarbonisation of its energy mix, electrification, and energy efficiency.

EDF has also announced the signing of several partnership agreements for the development of low-carbon generation projects abroad:

• Togo: EDF and its partner Meridiam have signed a 25-year Concession Agreement with the Republic of Togo for the design, construction, financing and operation of a 64 MWp photovoltaic solar power plant in Sokodé. It will supply more than 700,000 people in Sokodé’s region. Scheduled for construction in 2024, the project will help Togo to achieve its goal of ensuring nationwide access to energy by 2030.  It will also contribute 20% of the country’s target of 50% renewable energy in its energy mix by 2025. Already present in Africa with significant projects, notably in hydropower, EDF is continuing its development in the region.

• Kyrgyzstan: EDF and Masdar have signed a cooperation agreement with the government of Kyrgyzstan to assess the feasibility of developing a portfolio of renewable energy projects with a capacity of up to 3.6 GW. Kyrgyzstan has set itself the target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 44% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. These projects will contribute to the integration of the regional electricity system and to Central Asia’s energy transition towards carbon neutrality. EDF is already providing technical support for upgrading existing hydroelectric power plants in Kyrgyzstan and can now draw on the Group’s know-how to further its ambitions.

Luc Rémont, Chairman and CEO of EDF Group, declared: “Through these projects, EDF is making concrete the strategic commitments made by many governments to decarbonise their electricity generation mix. These agreements illustrate the Group’s wide range of low-carbon expertise and solutions, which we are using to drive energy transition, throughout the world.”

Media Contact:

service-de-presse@edf.fr

SOURCE: EDF