Sustainability

Powering, building and delivering the energy transition

At EDF power solutions UK and Ireland we’re committed to tackling climate change. Our rapidly growing team includes more than 650 talented people and 50 operational renewable energy sites. That amounts to 2GW and our ambition is to reach 10GW by 2035. With our unique mix of technologies, including onshore and offshore wind, solar PV, battery storage and green hydrogen, we are one of the UK and Ireland’s most diverse generators of renewable energy.

Protecting our planet

Renewable energy offers significant benefits to both the climate and biodiversity crises. We are committed to reducing our own carbon emissions, and waste while enhancing biodiversity, embedding circular economy principles, and meeting all relevant environmental regulations, permits and requirements.

Climate change

As part of the EDF Group, our purpose is to build a net zero energy future with electricity and innovative solutions and services, to help save the planet and drive wellbeing and economic development. The Group is committed to tackling climate change, with 2030, and 2050 targets assessed by Moody’s, an independent assessor of carbon transition plans, as aligned with a +1.5°C warming pathway.

As a subsidiary, we are fully aligned with and committed to delivering against this ambition, embedding these goals across our activities and decision-making. Through EDF power solutions, we also contribute to the Group’s global presence, drawing on international expertise, proven technologies, and best practice approaches from EDF’s worldwide operations to deliver high quality, low carbon solutions for our customers in the UK. Read more on EDF Group’s purpose here and net zero targets here.

EDF power solutions contributed to the ‘Powering Carbon Neutrality by 2050’ initiative by participating in the European debate and presenting an optimized scenario for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, based on a technical-economic analysis. The Net Zero 2050 objective requires a significant acceleration in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. To support this, EDF’s CO₂ reporting includes EDF power solutions’ CO₂ reporting. Learn more about the Powering Carbon Neutrality by 2050 initiative here.

Biodiversity

We are committed to enhancing biodiversity and delivering positive outcomes for the land and seas where we operate. We work closely with local communities to understand their priorities for habitat enhancement and, supported by specialist consultants, develop tailored habitat management plans that reflect each site’s location and ecological context.

Our commitment to biodiversity extends beyond construction and continues throughout the operational life of our projects, helping to secure long-term environmental benefits.

From planting native species of trees to supporting the restoration of blanket bogs and creating artificial reefs out at sea, we have undertaken a wide range of initiatives to enhance biodiversity on our sites

Michelle shares how renewable energy developments can enhance biodiversity and the environment

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Farming and solar working together

We’ve partnered with local farmers in Wexford and Kilkenny, Ireland, to ensure our solar projects bring wider benefits to the communities that host them. Alongside generating clean energy, the sites will continue to support sheep grazing, which naturally manages vegetation and maintains the land. Together, the three solar farms are expected to avoid more than 9,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year, contributing to Ireland’s transition to a lower carbon future.

Creating new habitats with floating wind

The Gwynt Glas Floating Offshore Wind Farm has partnered with Sea Changers, Our Only World and Arc Marine to install 14 Reef Cubes at Falmouth Harbour to enhance marine biodiversity. The eco engineered cubes, made from recycled materials, provide new habitats for fish, crabs, lobsters and marine plants, helping regenerate fragile ecosystems while raising awareness of the environmental benefits of floating offshore wind. The initiative also supports community engagement through outreach with local schools to educate young people about marine conservation and renewable energy.

Pioneering seabird monitoring in offshore wind

At our Neart na Gaoithe Offshore Wind, we’re delivering environmental monitoring on a scale not previously seen in UK offshore wind industry. This includes launching the country’s largest seabird monitoring programme that will use advanced radar and camera systems. Running over two breeding seasons from March 2026, the initiative builds on seven years of research to deepen understanding of how seabirds interact with operational turbines.

Using eDNA to protect marine life

We are always looking for innovative ways to support biodiversity and maximise environmental benefits at our sites. EDF power solutions, working with Natural Power and NatureMetrics, carried out a pioneering study to test the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for monitoring fish populations at offshore wind farms. By analysing eDNA found in seawater, the project demonstrated that eDNA can identify a wider range of species than traditional survey methods, providing a faster, less invasive and more cost-effective approach to understanding and protecting marine ecosystems.

Circular economy

A circular economy aims to keep materials and products in use for as long as possible by designing out waste and maximising the value of resources. We aim to minimise our direct environmental impacts by applying circular economy principles throughout our operations, from designing long-life energy assets to preventing waste and pollution, improving resource productivity, and retaining the value of products and materials.

As part of our commitment of sending zero blades to landfill, EDF power solutions is working with partners including Reblade, Dalmore Capital and Foresight to tackle the challenge of recycling decommissioned wind turbine blades. Through an innovative process, blades are shredded and reused to create durable composite products such as fence posts, benches and decking, helping to divert waste from landfill. The project demonstrates how circular economy solutions can reduce environmental impacts and improve the sustainability of renewable energy infrastructure.

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Improving people’s lives

We’re not only supporting the UK and Ireland’s energy security, but we’re also creating exciting career opportunities, transforming the way we power our lives and supporting the aspirations of people living in communities close to our projects.

EDF power solutions is helping to grow the renewable energy industry by building the skills and employment opportunities that will underpin the future. Investment in skills is central to delivering our 10GW by 2035 target and accelerating the transition to a net zero, clean energy future.

The EDF power solutions apprenticeship scheme gives young people across the country the chance to take their first step on the renewable energy career ladder. The programme equips recruits with experience in the latest cutting edge technologies and allows them to apply their learning in real world scenarios, working on site alongside established and experienced teams.

Building on the work we do across EDF power solutions, we also support a number of locally delivered employment and skills initiatives near our sites, through our community benefit funds. This helps provide even more people with an opportunity to access education and career opportunities.

Responsible procurement & supply chain

Responsible procurement and effective supply chain management are fundamental to how we deliver sustainable and ethical outcomes. Central to this is our commitment to working with locally and regionally based businesses near our sites, helping to strengthen supply chains while enabling communities to thrive.

As the energy system transforms, the need for reliable, secure, low carbon and affordable electricity has never been more important to the UK’s economic future. By creating opportunities across our projects, we help stimulate growth and improve prospects for local businesses and the communities around them.

We work closely with local businesses, hosting supply chain events that highlight opportunities, foster collaboration, and support economic growth in the communities where we operate. We regularly participate in industry networking and supply chain-focused events to raise our profile and connect with the right businesses. We expect all our supply chain partners to uphold the same high standards of sustainability, responsibility, and ethical conduct that guide our own people, operations and business activities.

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Localisation & communities

We want to ensure we are the renewables company of choice for communities. We actively involve and engage local communities from the moment we set out our intention to explore an opportunity to the moment our assets come to the end of their life. We promote business growth, positive public relations, business awareness and reputation, and prioritise our relationship with governments and local authorities.

We support the communities surrounding our renewable energy sites through dedicated funds for each operational project. These funds create meaningful opportunities to engage with local residents, understand their priorities, and deliver benefits that positively impact those living close to our sites.

25 years of clean energy and community support in Blyth

For more than 25 years, Blyth has played a pioneering role in the UK’s offshore wind sector. Blyth wind farm continues to generate clean, renewable energy while also providing sustained support for the local community, including an annual £10,000 contribution to RNLI Blyth through the Blyth Community Benefit Fund.

Investing in nature, education and community

The Dorenell Wind Farm and its dedicated Ranger Service are enriching rural communities by delivering environmental education, guided walks, and practical conservation. While the wider community benefit fund has invested over £2 million into local priorities, from improving footpaths and playparks to supporting youth workers, community development officers, and vital charities such as Marie Curie and the Moray Baby Bank.

Supporting local schools through solar

Coolroe Solar Farm is helping to strengthen local education by providing funding to nearby schools through its community benefit fund, offering direct benefits to pupils and teachers.