EDF eyes energy storage prize
In a changing energy landscape, French state-owned utility EDF is ramping up its efforts to develop electricity storage solutions and become the European leader in this field. Storage has a critical role to play in the energy transition, alongside energy efficiency, nuclear and renewables. To that end EDF is to invest $8 billion in developing its battery storage capability.
Faced with the rapid development of storage technology, EDF is also increasing its Research and Development capabilities and its capacity of innovation in this field. Investment in research into storage for the power system will double, reaching €70 million for the 2018-2020 period. Alongside this, EDF Nouveaux Business will be allocating €15 million in the next two years "“ a third of its investments "“ to projects and start-ups linked to electricity storage and flexibility.
The French utility recently won a contract to deliver enhanced frequency response (EFR) in the UK with a 49 MW battery at West Burton, England. The 10 GW will add to the existing 5 GW portfolio of assets operated by the company, which includes both batteries and pumped hydro storage.
In the next year, EDF says it will launch at least three battery projects to "improve the performance and balance of the power system". EDF's goal is to develop 10 GW of additional storage around the world by 2035, on top of the 5 GW already operated by the Group. This acceleration represents an investment of €8 billion during the 2018-2035 period.
