Difference between revisions of "EDF Energy"

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==Background==
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'''EDF Energy''' is one of the largest energy companies in the UK. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the mainly French state-owned [[EDF Group]].
  
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[[EDF]] was formed in 2003 when [[SEEBoard]], [[London Energy]] and [[SWEB]] were merged.
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EDF Energy was an official partner and the official electricity supplier for the London Olympic Games 2012 and the Paralympics.
  
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EDF Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of [[EDF Group]], one of the largest energy groups in Europe, which when it bought [[British Energy]] became one of the world's biggest. EDF generates between 6 and 12 per cent of the UK's energy (figures vary on their webpage) from coal, gas, nuclear and wind. 'Its EBITDA in 2009 was €17.4 billion. The net income (Group share) was €3.9 billion (+12.1%). R&D budget in 2007 amounted to  €375 million.' <ref>EDF, "[http://www.edfenergy.com/about-us/about-edf-energy/who-owns-us.shtml EDF Who Owns Us]", EDF Homepage. accessed 17/02/09</ref>
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In October 2013 EDF appeared to have finally secured a deal after several years of protracted negotiations with the UK government to build the UK's first nuclear power plant in a generation.  
  
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EDF is a 'sustainability' partner of the London Olympic Games 2012, the Paralympics, and also sponsors the EDF Energy Cup in Rugby. It claims to be committed to sustainability and donate to regional and local green initiatives and is a member of the [[UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy]].
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==Subsidiary of world's largest nuclear operator==
  
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==Lobbying==
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EDF Energy is one of over 70 subsidiaries of the [[EDF Group]],<ref>[http://www.edf.com/96134i/Homefr/EDFinternationalpresence.html  EDF International Presence] EDF Group website (accessed November, 2006) [http://www.linkedin.com/company/edf-energy EDF Energy profile], LinkedIn, accessed 10 August 2012</ref>  <ref>Terry Macalister, [http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1890709,00.html “Nuclear Sector Calls for New Agency”,] ''Guardian'', 9 October, 2006.</ref> which when it took control of 80 per cent of the UK nuclear generator [[British Energy]] (BE) in 2009, became the world’s largest nuclear operator. EDF operates 58 nuclear reactors in France, eight in the UK and five in the US.<ref>[http://shareholders-and-investors.edf.com/fichiers/fckeditor/Commun/Finance/Publications/Annee/2012/EDF2011_Fact-Figures_20120718_va.pdf Year 2011 Facts and Figures] EDF 2012, accessed August 2012.</ref><ref> EDF Energy, 'EDF Energy Nuclear Generation: Our journey towards zero harm', undated, accessed 29 August 2012 </ref><ref> [http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews/RSSFeed/Nuclear/6541463 EDF, Centrica spend $300 million on new UK reactor program], Platts 25th October 2010, accessed August 2012.</ref>
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The UK is probably the most important market for EDF outside of France. In 2011 sales in the UK were 8.6 billion euros, compared with 37.2 billion euros in France.<ref>[http://www.edf.com/html/RA2011/en/pdf/EDF2011_001_va.pdf 2011 News/Global Issues,] EDF Activity and Sustainable Development Report 2011.</ref> EDF generates between 6 and 12 per cent of the UK's energy (figures vary on its webpage) from coal, gas, nuclear and wind. It is the largest electricity supplier for London, the south-east and the south-west of England and as of August 2012 supplies energy to around 7.9 million customers (up from 5 million in 2006). It owns and manages the distribution network serving around a quarter of the UK population. <ref>[http://www.edfenergy.com/html/showPage.do?name=edfenergy.about.til About Us] EDF Energy Website (accessed November, 2006).</ref>
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EDF also owns what used to be [[London Electricity]] (LEB), Eastern Electricity, and South East Electricity ([[SEEBOARD plc]]). In the South West (SWEB Energy) area, the distribution network is owned by [[Western Power Distribution]], but EDF supplies customers in that area.<ref>[http://www.edfenergy.com/html/showPage.do?name=edfenergy.about.til EDF Energy website: 'About EDF Energy'] undated, accessed February 2006.</ref>
  
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EDF does a lot of lobbying. It had a part to play in the [[Energy White Paper]] and [[UK Energy Review 2007]] and a number of select committee reports, and briefings to ministers.<ref>EDF, "[http://www.edfenergy.com/sustainability/performance-report/download-pdf-report/PDF-Index.shtml EDF Energy and Sustainability Performance Report 2007]", EDF Homepage. accessed 17/02/09</ref>
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EDF’s coal, gas and nuclear generating plants, wind farms, and combined heat and power (CHP) plant include:
  
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===External===
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* British Energy's eight nuclear power stations at Torness, Hunterston B, Hartlepool, Heysham 1 &2, Hinkley Point B, Dungeness B and Sizewell B.
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In 2011-2012 EDF's external registered lobbying firms were the [[PPS Group]], which includes a number of other energy companies among its clients, and [[MHP Communications]]. <ref>APPC Register Entries for 1 Dec 2011 to 29 Feb 2012 & 1st March 2012 to 31st May 2012</ref>
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* Cottam coal-fired station (2,000MW) near Retford
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* West Burton coal-fired station (2,000MW)
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* Sutton Bridge Combined Cycle Gas Turbine station (790MW)
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* Barkantine CHP Plant – Tower Hamlets.
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* 62 MW offshore wind farm under construction off the coast of Redcar. The company also operates 20 onshore wind farms in north-east England.
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* a new 1,300MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station at its West Burton site, in Nottinghamshire.
  
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In August 2012, [[Pagefield]] was brought in to handle strategic comms and help strengthen EDF's case for building a controversial proposed third nuclear power reactor at [[Sizewell]] in Suffolk, UK. It won the six-figure account after a pitch process thought to have been initiated one year beforehand. According to ''PR Week'' Pagefield "is expected to play a key role in the development of EDF’s narrative around the value of a new nuclear power reactor, liaising with the public, media and stakeholders such as the [[Environment Agency]] and local authorities. Partner [[Wendy Blair]] is handling the account. [[Mark Gallagher]] will provide senior-level strategic counsel. <ref name="nuclear">Matt Cartmell, [http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/1145402/edf-bolsters-comms-underpin-nuclear-plans/ EDF bolsters comms to underpin nuclear plans], , prweek.com, Wednesday, 15 August 2012, 9:24am, acc 15 August 2012 </ref>
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==EDF wants new UK nuclear reactors by 2017==
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=== Free fast-track nuclear power plants===
  
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[[Brunswick Group]] also mentions EDF Energy as a corporate comms client; Brunswick director [[Aideen Lee]] handles the account. <Ref> [http://www.brunswickgroup.com/our-people/partners-directors/profile.aspx?Id=185 Our People: Aideen Lee], Brunswick website, undated, accessed 8 June 2012 </ref>
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As part of its submission to the UK government's 2006 energy review, EDF offered to build a new fleet of French designed nuclear power stations in Britain - at no cost to the taxpayer. The catch was that EDF wanted a system to guarantee the price of its electricity - and to fast track the planning process for any new plants.  [[Pierre Gadonneix]], the chairman and EDF Group CEO, said the company was "very willing" to play a role to make nuclear acceptable to public opinion. <ref>Faisal Islam, [http://www.channel4.com/news/special-reports/special-reports-storypage.jsp?id=2164 "Going Fission"], Channel Four News, 12 April 2006.</ref>
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[[Weber Shandwick]] is retained for consumer PR. <ref name="nuclear"/>
 
  
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===Internal===
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Later the same year, in October, EDF Energy's chief executive [[Vincent de Rivaz]] proclaimed that EDF Energy was moving from being "investors in waiting" to "investors in action" for new nuclear power in the UK. He told the [[Nuclear Energy Finance Forum]] that EDF had set up a UK nuclear project team which aimed to show the government it "can rely on us to deliver safe, reliable and economical new nuclear in the UK".  
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*[[Victoria MacGregor]] - Head of Public Affairs at EDF Energy since 2001. Before this was        Marketing and Policy Manager at [[Independent Healthcare Association]] and an Account Manager at [[Grey Advertising]].<ref> [http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/victoria-macgregor/2a/26b/72a?trk=pub-pbmap Victoria MacGregor profile], LinkedIn, accessed 28 May 2012 </ref>
 
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*[[Paul Clark]] - Senior Public Affairs Manager.
 
  
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==Subsidiary of world's largest nuclear operator==
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As investors, EDF needed to have confidence in the government, said de Rivaz. New nuclear investments would be made on time scales extending to eight parliaments or more. Given that political risk is a key factor in setting the capital cost of new nuclear, government policy and support were vital. It was essential, he said, that the UK government’s 2007 Energy White Paper gave a clear and unambiguous statement of the need for new nuclear in the long-term energy mix in the UK. Rivaz warned that Europe is facing an energy capacity crunch. By 2030, one trillion euros worth of investment in new energy capacity in Europe is needed to ensure energy security. <ref>Pearl Marshall, “UK's climate, energy policies encourage EDF investment”, ''Nucleonics Week'', Vol. 47, No. 44, 2 November, 2006.</ref>
  
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EDF Energy is one of the largest energy companies in the UK, employing nearly 15,000 people. It is one of over 70 subsidiaries of the [[EDF Group]], which has almost 40 million customers worldwide, <ref>[http://www.edf.com/96134i/Homefr/EDFinternationalpresence.html  EDF International Presence] EDF Group website (accessed November, 2006) and [http://www.linkedin.com/company/edf-energy EDF Energy profile], LinkedIn, accessed 10 August 2012</ref> and is the world’s largest nuclear operator. <ref>Terry Macalister, [http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1890709,00.html “Nuclear Sector Calls for New Agency”,] ''Guardian'', 9 October, 2006.</ref>  
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The [[Health and Safety Executive]] (HSE), [[Environment Agency]] and [[Office for Civil Nuclear Security]] (OCNS) published new guidance in early 2007 for the assessment of new reactor designs for any new nuclear power stations that may potentially be built in the UK. <ref> [http://www.hse.gov.uk/newreactors/guidance.htm Guidance: assessment of new nuclear power stations] Office for Nuclear Regulation website, accessed August 2012. </ref> EDF Energy said at that time it hoped to put in a pre-licensing application in early 2007, start pouring concrete in 2012 and open the first new reactor in 2017.
  
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The UK is probably the most important market for EDF outside of France. In 2011 sales in the UK were 8.6 billion euros, compared with 37.2 billion euros in France. <ref>[http://www.edf.com/html/RA2011/en/pdf/EDF2011_001_va.pdf 2011 News/Global Issues,] EDF Activity and Sustainable Development Report 2011.</ref> It is the largest electricity supplier for London, the south-east and the south-west of England and as of August 2012 supplies energy to around 7.9 million customers (up from 5 million in 2006). It owns and manages the distribution network serving around a quarter of the UK population. It also operates coal and gas-fired plant as well as CHP plant and wind farms. <ref>[http://www.edfenergy.com/html/showPage.do?name=edfenergy.about.til About Us] EDF Energy Website (accessed November, 2006).</ref>
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Applications from nuclear vendors interested in having their reactor designs assessed by the nuclear regulators were invited by 22 June 2007. EDF Energy and [[Areva]] submitted the European Pressurised Water Reactor design to the process. <ref>[http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=13580&LangType=2057 Areva British Energy move for new UK nuclear], World Nuclear News 20 June 2007, accessed August 2012. </ref> In March 2008, the initial assessment of four nuclear power station designs was completed. No shortfalls in any of the designs were found.  
  
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It owns what used to be [[British Energy]], London Electricity, Eastern Electricity, and South East Electricity (Seeboard Energy). In the South West (SWEB Energy) area, the distribution network is owned by [[Western Power Distribution]], but EDF supplies customers in that area.
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EDF Energy began consulting on plans to build a new nuclear station at Hinkley Point in Somerset in October 2008.<ref> [http://www.edfenergy.com/media-centre/press-news/edf-begins-public-consultation-on-its-Hinkley-Point-nuclear-plans.shtml EDF Energy Press Release], 14 October 2008, accessed August 2012.</ref> By the time it began the takeover of British Energy in January 2009 it was already clear that EDF Energy also wanted to build a new station at Sizewell in Suffolk. <ref> [http://www.edfenergy.com/media-centre/press-news/Combined-company-will-build-on-unrivalled-experience-of-EDF-and-British-Energy.shtml EDF Energy Press Release], 9th January 2009, accessed August 2012. </ref>
  
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EDF’s generating plants include:-
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The [[Office for Nuclear Regulation]] (ONR) and Environment Agency said they were on course to complete a meaningful Generic Design assessment for the two proposed reactor designs by June 2011, but this was delayed pending an evaluation of lessons from the Fukushima accident. In December 2011 the ONR issued interim approval for the UK EPR with a long list of caveats – 31 so-called GDA Issues.<ref> [http://www.i-nuclear.com/2011/12/15/work-remains-on-uk-epr-despite-progress/ Work remains on UK EPR, despite progress] i-Nuclear 15 December 2011, accessed August 2012.</ref>
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* British Energy's eight nuclear power stations at Torness, Hunterston B, Hartlepool, Heysham 1 &2, Hinkley Point B, Dungeness B and Sizewell B.
 
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* Cottam coal-fired station (2,000MW) near Retford
 
  
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* West Burton coal-fired station (2,000MW)
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===EDF wanted public inquiries emasculated===
  
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* Sutton Bridge Combined Cycle Gas Turbine station (790MW)
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As early as October 2006 Rivaz had claimed EDF was not looking for public subsidies - "just a framework which will allow us to invest in low-carbon generation and that includes nuclear". <ref>Mark Milner, [http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1892310,00.html “No Subsidies for Nuclear says Energy Minister”,] The ''Guardian'', 11 October, 2006.</ref>
  
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* Barkantine CHP Plant – Tower Hamlets.  
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EDF Energy’s submission to the [[DTI]] on the proposed Nuclear Policy Framework highlighted “the need for a licensing and planning environment for new nuclear power stations that '''significantly reduces the risks''' associated with investment, by providing certainty in terms of timescale and cost. (emphasis added) <ref>[http://www.edfenergy.com/core/response_to_dti/docs/EDF_Energy_Response_to_DTI_new_nuclear_build_consultation.pdf EDF Energy Response to the DTI Consultation on the Policy Framework for New Nuclear Build,] October, 2006</ref>
  
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* 62 MW Offshore wind farm under construction off the coast of Redcar. The company also operates twenty onshore windfarms in north-east England.
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The submission said EDF had identified a number of issues that should be addressed to “further reduce the risks associated with licensing and planning, and increase the certainty that investment in new nuclear will come forward”. In particular the company wanted public inquiries to be restricted to consideration of local issues, and it wanted the government to set out a clear timetable for implementation of the policy framework so that new reactors could be operational by 2017.
  
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* EDF Energy is constructing a new 1,300MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station at its West Burton site, in Nottinghamshire.
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The short-lived [[Infrastructure Planning Commission]] (IPC) was set up in October 2009, opening fully for business in March 2010. Friends of the Earth described it as “an unelected, undemocratic body - the new Commissioners aren’t directly accountable to the people their decisions will affect. It’s going to be very difficult for local people to get their voices heard, especially with key documents being so technical and opportunities to attend inquiries so few. If people are unhappy with the process they’ll have to take the matter to court, which is extremely difficult and costly".<ref> [http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/ipc_01092009.html New Infrastructure Planning Commission fails to give people a proper say on major projects], Friends of the Earth Press Release 1st October 2009, accessed August 2012</ref>
  
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==EDF wants new UK reactors by 2017==
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==EDF's nuclear land-grab==
  
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Back in October 2006 CEO Vincent de Rivaz proclaimed in a speech in London that EDF Energy was moving from being "investors in waiting" to "investors in action" for new nuclear power in the UK. He told the [[Nuclear Energy Finance Forum]] that EDF had set up a UK nuclear project team which aimed to show the government it "can rely on us to deliver safe, reliable and economical new nuclear in the UK".
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In mid-2008 it emerged that EDF had been quietly buying up land next nuclear power stations, putting itself in strong position if the next generation of nuclear power stations received the go-ahead. The ''Financial Times'' reported that EDF had bought parcels of land next to [[Hinkley B]] in Somerset and [[Wylfa]] on Anglesey. <ref>Ed Crooks and Rebecca Bream, [http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7f942c20-1d62-11dd-82ae-000077b07658.html EDF snaps up 'nuclear' land], ''Financial Times'', 9 May 2008</ref>
  
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As investors, EDF also needed to have confidence in the government, he said. New nuclear investments would be made on time scales extending to eight parliaments or more. Given that political risk is a key factor in setting the capital cost of new nuclear, government policy and support were vital. It was essential, de Rivaz said, that the UK government’s 2007 Energy White Paper gave a clear and unambiguous statement of the need for new nuclear in the long-term energy mix in the UK.
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Ironically, some of the land near Hinkley was the site of a proposed wind farm. Renewable energy company [[Your Energy]] had been trying to get planning permission for nine turbines on the West Hinkley site since 2002, but faced what campaigners describe as 'continuous objections' from [[British Energy]]. <ref>[http://www.stophinkley.org/PressReleases/pr080513.htm Wind-farm rights sold to nuclear developer], Stop Hinkley Campaign press release, 13 May 2008</ref>
  
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EDF Energy began consulting on plans to build a new nuclear station at Hinkley Point in Somerset in October 2008. <ref> [http://www.edfenergy.com/media-centre/press-news/edf-begins-public-consultation-on-its-Hinkley-Point-nuclear-plans.shtml EDF Energy Press Release], 14th October 2008, accessed August 2012.</ref> By the time it began the takeover of British Energy in January 2009 it was already clear that EDF Energy also wanted to build a new station at Sizewell in Suffolk. <ref> [http://www.edfenergy.com/media-centre/press-news/Combined-company-will-build-on-unrivalled-experience-of-EDF-and-British-Energy.shtml EDF Energy Press Release], 9th January 2009, accessed August 2012. </ref> 
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==NNB Generation Company==
  
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The [[Health and Safety Executive]] (HSE), [[Environment Agency]] and [[Office for Civil Nuclear Security]] (OCNS) published new guidance in early 2007 for the assessment of new reactor designs for any new nuclear power stations that may potentially be built in the UK. <ref> [http://www.hse.gov.uk/newreactors/guidance.htm Guidance: assessment of new nuclear power stations] Office for Nuclear Regulation website, accessed August 2012. </ref> EDF Energy said at that time it hoped to put in a pre-licensing application in early 2007, start pouring concrete in 2012 and open the first new reactor in 2017.
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When EDF and Centrica bought British Energy in 2009 they set up NNB Generation Company ([[NNB GenCo]]) to build and operate new nuclear power stations in the UK. Centrica owns a 20 per stake in both companies. <ref> [http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews/RSSFeed/Nuclear/6541463 EDF, Centrica spend $300 million on new UK reactor program], Platts 25th October 2010, accessed August 2012.</ref>
  
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Applications from nuclear vendors interested in having their reactor designs assessed by the nuclear regulators were invited by 22nd June 2007. EDF Energy and [[Areva]] submitted the European Pressurised Water Reactor design to the process. <ref>[http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=13580&LangType=2057 Areva British Energy move for new UK nuclear], World Nuclear News 20th June 2007, accessed August 2012. </ref> In March 2008, the initial assessment of four nuclear power station designs was completed. No shortfalls in any of the designs were found.  
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===Hinkley Point C===
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In July 2010 NNB GenCo started a formal pre-application process for the authorisation of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. In December 2010 campaigners accused EDF Energy of ‘jumping the gun’  by applying for planning permission for what it called ‘preliminary works’. This involved trashing over 400 acres of woodland, cornfields and coastline, and the excavation of more than 3.2 million cubic metres of soil, sub-soil and rocks - more than was dug out to prepare the site for the 2012 London Olympic Games. <ref> [http://www.stophinkley.org/PressReleases/pr101201.htm EDF “Jumping The Gun” with Hinkley Point destruction], Stop Hinkley Press Release 1 December 2010, accessed August 2012 </ref> EDF Energy was given the go ahead for the preliminary works in July 2011.<ref> [http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jul/29/planners-approve-nuclear-power-station-preparatory-work Hinkley C nuclear power station gets green light for preparatory work], ''Guardian'' 29 July 2011, accessed August 2012.</ref>
  
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The [[Office for Nuclear Regulation]] (ONR) and Environment Agency say they were on course to complete a meaningful Generic Design assessment for the two proposed reactor designs by June 2011, but this was delayed pending an evaluation of lessons from the Fukushima accident. In December 2011 the ONR issued interim approval for the UK EPR with a long list of caveats – 31 so-called GDA
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EDF Energy had been expected to submit its application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) in December 2010, but in the end it wasn’t submitted until the last day of October 2011. <ref> Walker, A. [http://www.bdb-law.co.uk/our-insights/blogs/planning-act-2008-blog/2011/12/291-project-progress-analysis-as-hinkley-point-application-made Project progress analysis as Hinkley Point application made], Planning Act 2008 Blog, No.291, 2nd November 2011, accessed August 2012</ref>  Local people who attended the preliminary hearing of the IPC into the EDF Energy application were shocked at the limited scope of the inquiry and the attitude of the lead commissioner. When one local resident asked who would look at the dangers of nuclear power and the impact on the health of local children, she was told the point was irrelevant and her microphone was turned off. <ref>[http://www.stophinkley.org/PressReleases/pr120322.pdf Government bully boy Sir Andrew Phillipson sets the tone of Infrastructure Planning Commission's examination of EDF's application to build Nuclear Power Station in Somerset], Stop Hinkley Press Release 22 March 2012, accessed August 2012.</ref>
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Issues. <ref> [http://www.i-nuclear.com/2011/12/15/work-remains-on-uk-epr-despite-progress/ Work remains on UK EPR, despite progress] i-Nuclear 15th December 2011, accessed August 2012.</ref>
 
  
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==NNB Generation Company==
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==Lobbying==
  
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EDF bought British Energy in 2009 jointly with [[Centrica]], with EDF Energy taking 80% ownership and Centrica the rest. At the same time it set up NNB Generation Company (NNB GenCo) to build and operate two new nuclear power stations with Centrica taking a 20% stake in that company as well. <ref> [http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews/RSSFeed/Nuclear/6541463 EDF, Centrica spend $300 million on new UK reactor program], Platts 25th October 2010, accessed August 2012.</ref>
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EDF does a lot of lobbying. It played a key role in pushing for a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK, through submissions for the [[Energy White Paper]] and [[UK Energy Review 2007]] and a number of select committee reports, and briefings to ministers. <ref>EDF, "[http://www.edfenergy.com/sustainability/performance-report/download-pdf-report/PDF-Index.shtml EDF Energy and Sustainability Performance Report 2007]", EDF Homepage. accessed 17/02/09</ref>
  
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==EDF Wanted Public Inquiries Emasculated==
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More recently it has appointed lobbying firms such as [[MHP Communications]], [[Pagefield]], [[PPS Group]] and [[Brevia Consulting]] to help it win the public over and smooth the regulatory path for its proposed new nuclear reactors at Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C.<ref> [http://www.appc.org.uk/members/register/register-profile/?company=Pagefield Register 1st September 2014 - 30th November 2014] ''APPC'', accessed 28 January 2015 </ref><ref> [http://www.appc.org.uk/members/register/register-profile/?company=MHP%20Communications Register 1st September 2014 - 30th November 2014] ''APPC'', accessed 23 February 2015 </ref>
  
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As early as October 2006 Rivaz said the Company is not looking for public subsidies - "just a framework which will allow us to invest in low-carbon generation and that includes nuclear". <ref>Mark Milner, [http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1892310,00.html “No Subsidies for Nuclear says Energy Minister”,] ''Guardian'', 11 October, 2006.</ref> EDF Energy’s submission to the DTI on the proposed Nuclear Policy Framework highlighted “the need for a licensing and planning environment for new nuclear power stations that '''significantly reduces the risks''' associated with investment, by providing certainty in terms of timescale and cost. (emphasis added) <ref>[http://www.edfenergy.com/core/response_to_dti/docs/EDF_Energy_Response_to_DTI_new_nuclear_build_consultation.pdf EDF Energy Response to the DTI Consultation on the Policy Framework for New Nuclear Build,] October, 2006.</ref>
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'''For more information see the Powerbase page [[EDF: Lobbying]]'''
  
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The submission said EDF has identified a number of issues, which should be addressed in order to “further reduce the risks associated with licensing and planning, and increase the certainty that investment in new nuclear will come forward”. In particular the company wanted public inquiries to be restricted to consideration of local issues, and it wanted the Government to set out a clear timetable for implementation of the policy framework so that new reactors could be operational by 2017.
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==Secondments==
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In February 2013, NuclearSpin.org revealed that EDF Energy had seconded two staff to the [[Office for Nuclear Regulation]] (ONR) at the [[Health and Safety Executive]]. One was interim programme manager for the ONR's programme at the Sellafield plant in Cumbria. The other was a technical assistant on the Decommissioning Fuel and Waste Programme. The ONR said that all secondees are paid for by the nuclear industry and it has safeguards in place to ensure there is no conflict of interest. It added that no secondee works on matters directly related to their parent organisation.<ref>Richard Cookson, [http://www.spinwatch.org/-articles-by-category-mainmenu-8/67-nuclear/5568-the-nuclear-energy-industry-secondments-to-government-departments Nuclear industry secondments to Government departments responsible for policy and regulation], ''Spinwatch'', 22 February 2013</ref>
  
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Rivaz also warned that Europe is facing an energy capacity crunch. By 2030, one trillion euros worth of investment in new energy capacity in Europe is needed if we are to ensure energy security. <ref>Pearl Marshall, “UK's climate, energy policies encourage EDF investment”, ''Nucleonics Week'', Vol. 47, No. 44, 2 November, 2006.</ref>
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==Threatened civil lawsuit against No Dash for Gas activists==
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In February 2013 EDF Energy took the unusual and highly controversial step of seeking  an estimated £5 million in damages from environmental activists from the No Dash for Gas campaign that occupied the EDF-owned West Burton CCGT power station in October 2012. Writer George Monbiot declared that EDF was conducting a strategic lawsuit against public participation", "part of a global strategy by corporations to stifle democracy".  
  
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The short-lived Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) was set up in October 2009, opening fully for business in March 2010. Friends of the Earth described the IPC as “an unelected, undemocratic body - the new Commissioners aren’t directly accountable to the people their decisions will affect. It’s going to be very difficult for local people to get their voices heard, especially with key documents being so technical and opportunities to attend inquiries so few. If people are unhappy with the process they’ll have to take the matter to court, which is extremely difficult and costly.” <ref> [http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/ipc_01092009.html New Infrastructure Planning Commission fails to give people a proper say on major projects], Friends of the Earth Press Release 1st October 2009, accessed August 2012.</ref>
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A strong public backlash prompted 64,000 people to sign a Change.org petition against the energy firm's civil lawsuit; a month later it had dropped its claim The ''Guardian'' reported that:
  
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:EDF said it had dropped the civil action as part of a settlement with the protesters, which it called a "fair and reasonable solution".
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:Following an offer we received from the protesters' lawyers to settle the civil case, EDF Energy has been working to agree a compromise agreement acceptable to both parties," said a spokesman.
  
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==Hinkley Point C==
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:The protesters, who have all pleaded guilty in court to aggravated trespass, have agreed in principle to accept a permanent injunction which prevents them from entering multiple sites operated by EDF Energy. As a result of this, EDF Energy is dropping its claim for civil damages against them and believes that this is a fair and reasonable solution. <ref>James Ball, [http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/mar/13/edf-lawsuit-environmental-activists-backlash EDF drops lawsuit against environmental activists after backlash] theguardian.com, Wednesday 13 March 2013 13.08 GMT, acc 2 September 2013 </ref>
  
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NNB Generation Company Ltd started a formal pre-application process for the authorisation of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in July 2010. In December 2010 campaigners accused EDF Energy of ‘jumping the gun’  by applying for planning permission for what it called ‘preliminary works’. This involved trashing over 400 acres of woodland, cornfields and coastline, and the excavation of more than 3.2 million cubic metres of soil, sub-soil and rocks - more than was dug out to prepare the site for the 2012 London Olympic Games. <ref> [http://www.stophinkley.org/PressReleases/pr101201.htm EDF “Jumping The Gun” with Hinkley Point destruction], Stop Hinkley Press Release 1st December 2010, accessed August 2012 </ref>  EDF Energy was given the go ahead for the preliminary works in July 2011, <ref> [http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jul/29/planners-approve-nuclear-power-station-preparatory-work Hinkley C nuclear power station gets green light for preparatory work], Guardian 29th July 2011, accessed August 2012.</ref>
+
== Part of efforts to neuter anti-nuclear protest?==
 +
In October 2012 a [[Department of Energy and Climate Change]] document released to Spinwatch under Freedom of Information laws revealed that EDF was one of three nuclear companies present at a [[National Public Order Intelligence Unit]] (NPOIU) meeting on 'activism and nuclear new build' held Whitehall in June 2011. Also present were government officials from [[BIS]], [[DECC]] and the [[Home Office]], along with the [[Civil Nuclear Constabulary]], a specialist force for guarding nuclear power sites. The other companies were [[NuGen]] and [[Horizon]].  
  
−
EDF Energy had been expected to submit its application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission in December 2010, but in the end it wasn’t submitted until the last day of October 2011. <ref> Walker, A. [http://www.bdb-law.co.uk/our-insights/blogs/planning-act-2008-blog/2011/12/291-project-progress-analysis-as-hinkley-point-application-made Project progress analysis as Hinkley Point application made],  Planning Act 2008 Blog, No.291, 2nd November 2011, accessed August 2012</ref>  Local people who attended the preliminary hearing of the IPC into the EDF Energy application were shocked at the limited scope of the inquiry and the attitude of the lead commissioner. When one local resident asked who would look at the dangers of nuclear power and the impact on the health of local children, she was told the point was irrelevant and her microphone was turned off.  <ref>[http://www.stophinkley.org/PressReleases/pr120322.pdf Government bully boy Sir Andrew Phillipson sets the tone of Infrastructure Planning Commission's examination of EDF's application to build Nuclear Power Station in Somerset], Stop Hinkley Press Release 22nd March 2012, accessed August 2012.</ref>
+
Police officers from three areas where new nuclear stations are planned were also involved – Avon and Somerset ([[Hinkley Point]]), Suffolk ([[Sizewell]]) and North Wales ([[Wylfa]]). <ref> Rob Edwards in cooperation with Spinwatch, [http://spinwatch.org/index.php/issues/climate/item/438-police-trying-to-neuter-anti-nuclear-protest Police trying to neuter anti-nuclear protest],  02 October 2012 </ref>   
  
−
==Victory for the Lobbyists==
+
All names of officials, police officers and industry attendees, however, were redacted.  The meeting's stated purpose was to:
  
−
Those involved in a huge lobbying campaign for a new generation of nuclear power stations achieved at least a partial victory when the UK government published its energy review report in July 2006, <ref>Terry Macalister, [http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1817546,00.html “The Powerful Business of Promoting a Nuclear Future”,] ''The Guardian'', 11 July, 2006.</ref> although some in the industry said it did not go far enough. <ref>Terry Macalister and Patrick Wintour, [http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1818533,00.html “Nuclear chiefs say Plans do not go Far Enough”,] ''The Guardian'', 12 July, 2006.</ref>
+
*obtain an agreed understanding of the available intelligence on the risk to the new build programme from environmental activism
 +
*identify key stakeholder concerns and issues
 +
*identify any potential gaps in arrangements for managing the risk of direct action or protests at new build sites or to identify areas where further clarity is needed'
  
−
The Chancellor of the Exchequer's brother, [[Andrew Brown]], head of media relations at EDF Energy, will have been one of those celebrating. Brown moved to EDF from the PR company [[Weber Shandwick]], where he had been director of media strategy. [[Weber Shandwick]] has a long history of involvement with the atomic industry. A former UK chief executive of Shandwick International, [[Philip Dewhurst]], has also been an important figure pushing the pro-nuclear message as corporate affairs director for [[British Nuclear Fuels Ltd]] (BNFL). More recently, Mr Dewhurst has been acting as chairman of the [[Nuclear Industry Association]] (NIA). [[Weber Shandwick]], whose senior vice chairman had been former Sun editor [[David Yelland]], used to provide PR advice to British Nuclear Fuels, which used to manage the Sellafield site.  
+
You can view the document [http://spinwatch.org/images/decc-foi-on-npoiu.pdf Annex 4 Activism and Nuclear New Build: Stakeholder Roundtable Thursday 9 June at 10.00am, Room G07, 55 Whitehall] at Spinwatch's website.
  
−
More recently [[Weber Shandwick]] worked for [[Nexia Solutions]] – which was a wholly owned subsidiary of BNFL providing technology services and solutions across the full nuclear fuel cycle primarily in the UK, but with an increasing overseas market. Nexia Solutions became the foundation of a new [[National Nuclear Laboratory]] when it was launched in July 2008. <ref>Nexia Solutions Press Release, [http://www.nexiasolutions.com/section.php?pageID=26&ID=276 “''Nexia Solutions Welcomes Announcement of UK National Nuclear Laboratory''”], 24 October, 2006.</ref>
+
==Decentralised energy for London or greenwash trap?==
  
−
==Decentralised Energy for London or Greenwash Trap?==
+
EDF claims to be committed to sustainability and donates to regional and local green initiatives.
  
−
In March 2006, Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, announced that EDF Energy had been chosen to work in partnership with the London Climate Change Agency to drive forward work that will provide decentralised, more efficient energy supplies for London. EDF Energy was the preferred bidder to set up a joint venture energy services company to develop sustainable energy schemes for London.
+
In March 2006, Mayor of London [[Ken Livingstone]] announced that EDF Energy had been chosen to work in partnership with the [[London Climate Change Agency]] to drive forward work that will provide decentralised, more efficient energy supplies for London. EDF was the preferred bidder to set up a joint venture energy services company to develop sustainable energy schemes for London.
  
 
The company will identify and develop sites across the capital where investment in sustainable energy technology will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, by encouraging the use of combined heat and power and renewable energy. Not only could this lead to a more secure and sustainable energy supply for London, but also to reduced household bills.
 
The company will identify and develop sites across the capital where investment in sustainable energy technology will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, by encouraging the use of combined heat and power and renewable energy. Not only could this lead to a more secure and sustainable energy supply for London, but also to reduced household bills.
  
−
CEO Vincent de Rivaz sees no contradiction in promoting Decentralised Energy and lobbying for new nuclear reactors in the UK. He says “EDF Energy believes that a diverse mix of energy is the key to security of supply for the UK in the longer term and central to the fight against climate change. Local solutions will need to play their part as part of that diverse mix”. <ref>EDF Energy Press Release, [http://www.edfenergy.com/html/showPage.do?name=edfenergy.media.news.item.til&cmsPage=/opencms/export/www.edfenergy.com/media/news/20060306a.html “Mayor Announces EDF Energy as Partner to Develop Climate Change Initiatives for London”,] 6 March, 2006.</ref>
+
CEO [[Vincent de Rivaz]] saw no contradiction in promoting Decentralised Energy and lobbying for new nuclear reactors in the UK. He said, “EDF Energy believes that a diverse mix of energy is the key to security of supply for the UK in the longer term and central to the fight against climate change. Local solutions will need to play their part as part of that diverse mix”. <ref>EDF Energy Press Release, [http://www.edfenergy.com/html/showPage.do?name=edfenergy.media.news.item.til&cmsPage=/opencms/export/www.edfenergy.com/media/news/20060306a.html “Mayor Announces EDF Energy as Partner to Develop Climate Change Initiatives for London”,] 6 March, 2006.</ref>
  
−
The partnership will soon roll out combined heat and power units across London; all new social housing developments will soon have to be nearly 60% more efficient than they are now. <ref>John Vidal, [http://environment.guardian.co.uk/travel/story/0,,1935908,00.html “Plane Speaking”], ''The Guardian'', 1 November, 2006.</ref>
+
The partnership planned to roll out combined heat and power units across London; all new social housing developments will soon have to be nearly 60 per cent more efficient than previously. <ref>John Vidal, [http://environment.guardian.co.uk/travel/story/0,,1935908,00.html “Plane Speaking”], ''The Guardian'', 1 November, 2006.</ref>
  
−
Ken Livingstone has called on the government to abandon plans for new nuclear power stations <ref>Ken Livingstone, [http://society.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1756095,00.html “Why Nuclear Power is out of the Question”], ''The Guardian'', 19 April, 2006.</ref> But he told ''The Guardian'' that he sees “no contradiction with the fact that EDF also generates energy elsewhere that is not sustainable”. He says, whilst he doesn’t agree with them on nuclear power, it would be churlish of him to turn down millions of pounds of investment in the renewable energy alternatives”. <ref>Ken Livingstone, [http://www.guardian.co.uk/letters/story/0,,1733584,00.html Letter to the Guardian], 18 March, 2006.</ref> Clearly concerned that Livingstone might be giving the nuclear proponents a public relations coup, ''The Guardian'' responded by pointing out that EDF had declared its interest in building 10 new nuclear plants in the UK with at least some of them likely to be built near London. <ref>John Henley, [http://www.guardian.co.uk/diary/story/0,,1735462,00.html “Guardian Diary”], ''The Guardian'', 21 March, 2006.</ref>
+
Ken Livingstone called on the government to abandon plans for new nuclear power stations. <ref>Ken Livingstone, [http://society.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1756095,00.html “Why Nuclear Power is out of the Question”], ''The Guardian'', 19 April, 2006.</ref> But he told ''The Guardian'' that he sees “no contradiction with the fact that EDF also generates energy elsewhere that is not sustainable”. He says that whilst he doesn’t agree with them on nuclear power, it would be churlish of him to turn down millions of pounds of investment in the renewable energy alternatives”. <ref>Ken Livingstone, [http://www.guardian.co.uk/letters/story/0,,1733584,00.html Letter to the Guardian], 18 March, 2006.</ref> Clearly concerned that Livingstone might be giving the nuclear proponents a public relations coup, ''The Guardian'' responded by pointing out that EDF had declared its interest in building 10 new nuclear plants in the UK with at least some of them likely to be built near London. <ref>John Henley, [http://www.guardian.co.uk/diary/story/0,,1735462,00.html “Guardian Diary”], ''The Guardian'', 21 March, 2006.</ref>
  
−
==Climate Balance - Misleading Consumers?==
+
==Climate balance - misleading consumers?==
  
−
In a further attempt to bolster it environmental credentials, EDF Energy has invited its customers to pay an extra 0.42p (incl VAT) per unit of electricity and 0.147p per unit of gas to be spent on carbon offsetting projects. The examples it gives are the promotion of efficient cooking stoves in Bangladesh and reforestation projects in Uganda. <ref>[https://www.edfenergy.com/climatebalance/edf-energy/welcome.do?name=climatebalance.welcome.til Climate Balance], EDF Energy Website (accessed November, 2006).</ref>  
+
In a further attempt to bolster its environmental credentials, EDF Energy invited customers to pay an extra 0.42p (incl VAT) per unit of electricity and 0.147p per unit of gas to be spent on carbon offsetting projects. The examples it gives are the promotion of efficient cooking stoves in Bangladesh and reforestation projects in Uganda.<ref>[https://www.edfenergy.com/climatebalance/edf-energy/welcome.do?name=climatebalance.welcome.til Climate Balance], EDF Energy Website (accessed November, 2006).</ref>  
  
−
''The Guardian'' said this scheme was launched amid growing disquiet among environmentalists about carbon offsetting and just days after Scottish & Southern Energy was ordered to stop using a leaflet detailing its tree-planting carbon-offset project - a similar scheme - because it misled consumers. <ref>Miles Brignall, [http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1923154,00.html “EDF offers Customers Change to Join Carbon Offset Set”], ''The Guardian'', 16 October, 2006.</ref>
+
''The Guardian'' said this scheme was launched amid growing disquiet among environmentalists about carbon offsetting and just days after [[Scottish & Southern Energy]] was ordered to stop using a leaflet detailing its tree-planting carbon-offset project - a similar scheme - because it misled consumers.<ref>Miles Brignall, [http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1923154,00.html “EDF offers Customers Change to Join Carbon Offset Set”], ''The Guardian'', 16 October, 2006.</ref>
  
−
Friends of the Earth says it is growing increasingly concerned about the basis of carbon-offset schemes. "If companies are genuinely concerned about climate change they should focus their attention on cutting their emissions and using clean sources of energy."
+
Friends of the Earth says it is increasingly concerned about the basis of carbon-offset schemes. "If companies are genuinely concerned about climate change they should focus their attention on cutting their emissions and using clean sources of energy."
  
−
==Olympic Games Bid Supporter==
+
==Olympic Games bid supporter==
  
−
EDF Energy was also the first company to sign up as a Premier Partner of the bid to bring the Olympics to London. The Company has said it wants to help ensure that London 2012 will be the “most environmentally friendly and sustainable games ever seen”.
+
EDF Energy was also the first company to sign up as a Premier Partner of the bid to bring the Olympics to London. It said it wanted to help ensure London 2012 was the “most environmentally friendly and sustainable games ever seen”. The company:
  
−
* It provided £1m of sponsorship to London 2012  
+
* Provided £1million in sponsorship to London 2012  
−
* EDF Energy branded over 2,000 vans and 20 of its buildings with the London 2012 logo
+
* Branded over 2,000 vans and 20 of its buildings with the London 2012 logo
−
* The Company ran a £1m Sports for Schools campaign with the London Evening Standard  
+
* Ran a £1million Sports for Schools campaign with the London Evening Standard  
 
* £350k provided to schools for school grounds and sports equipment through the EDF Energy Fit For Fun Awards and our staff focused Cash for Schools scheme.  
 
* £350k provided to schools for school grounds and sports equipment through the EDF Energy Fit For Fun Awards and our staff focused Cash for Schools scheme.  
 
* Promoted the bid through broadcast sponsorship of the Boat Race and the European Rugby Cup, 140 banners across central London, perimeter board advertising at sporting events, Getty Gallery sponsorship, press competitions.  
 
* Promoted the bid through broadcast sponsorship of the Boat Race and the European Rugby Cup, 140 banners across central London, perimeter board advertising at sporting events, Getty Gallery sponsorship, press competitions.  
−
* Currently encouraging participation in sport through the EDF Energy Weekend Workout in conjunction with ITV London.  
+
* Encouraged participation in sport through the EDF Energy Weekend Workout in conjunction with ITV London.  
 
* 3,400 of its staff signed up as "Olympic Ambassadors"  
 
* 3,400 of its staff signed up as "Olympic Ambassadors"  
 
* Provided the London 2012 Countdown Clock "Powered by EDF Energy" in Trafalgar Square  
 
* Provided the London 2012 Countdown Clock "Powered by EDF Energy" in Trafalgar Square  
 
* Promoted the bid to its customers through customer communications materials and the London 2012 logo on its envelopes. <ref>EDF Energy Press Release, [http://www.edfenergy.com/html/showPage.do?name=edfenergy.media.news.item.til&cmsPage=/opencms/export/www.edfenergy.com/media/news/20050706.html “''London Wins Bid to Host 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games''”], 6 July, 2005.</ref>
 
* Promoted the bid to its customers through customer communications materials and the London 2012 logo on its envelopes. <ref>EDF Energy Press Release, [http://www.edfenergy.com/html/showPage.do?name=edfenergy.media.news.item.til&cmsPage=/opencms/export/www.edfenergy.com/media/news/20050706.html “''London Wins Bid to Host 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games''”], 6 July, 2005.</ref>
  
−
==The Way to a Man’s Heart? – Football==
+
==The way to a man’s heart? Football==
 
   
 
   
−
The Company, which only started to use the EDF Energy name across its 5 million customers in May 2006, used its sponsorship of ITV’s coverage of the FIFA World Cup in June 2006 as a way of increasing its brand recognition. <ref>EDF Energy Press Release, [http://www.edfenergy.com/html/showPage.do?name=edfenergy.media.archive.item.til&cmsPage=/opencms/export/www.edfenergy.com/media/archive/20060519a.html “''New Look for Power Firm''”], 19 May, 2006.</ref>
+
The company, which only started to use the EDF Energy name across its five million customers in May 2006, used its sponsorship of ITV’s coverage of the FIFA World Cup in June 2006 as a way of increasing its brand recognition. <ref>EDF Energy Press Release, [http://www.edfenergy.com/html/showPage.do?name=edfenergy.media.archive.item.til&cmsPage=/opencms/export/www.edfenergy.com/media/archive/20060519a.html “''New Look for Power Firm''”], 19 May, 2006.</ref>
  
−
In August 2006 EDF Energy agreed a three-year deal with the Rugby Football Union and Premier Rugby Ltd to sponsor the Anglo-Welsh Cup – a period when public support for new nuclear reactors will be critical to whether or not they are built. The competition has, therefore changed its name from the Powergen Cup to the EDF Energy Cup. <ref>Rugby Football Union Press Release, [http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.News_Detail/StoryID/14369 “''EDF Energy to Sponsor UK’s Premier Cup Competition''”], 1 August, 2006.</ref>
+
In August 2006 EDF Energy agreed a three-year deal with the Rugby Football Union and Premier Rugby Ltd to sponsor the Anglo-Welsh Cup – a period when public support for new nuclear reactors was critical to whether or not they would be built. The competition therefore changed its name from the Powergen Cup to the EDF Energy Cup. <ref>Rugby Football Union Press Release, [http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.News_Detail/StoryID/14369 “''EDF Energy to Sponsor UK’s Premier Cup Competition''”], 1 August, 2006.</ref>
  
−
Rivaz was clear that the sponsorship was to “help us build on the brand awareness” following on from the Company’s sponsorship of the ITV World Cup coverage. Sounding rather like someone building a fifth column he said the deal would help EDF build a connection with almost 2,000 amateur rugby clubs which are at the heart of their communities – a grass roots dimension which is a vital part of developing a relationship with its customers. A strategy the Company clearly believes has worked in France. [[EDF Group]] has contributed to the development of French Rugby from grassroots to the professional level, for more than three decades, and is one of the sponsors of the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. <ref>[http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/EN/Home/partners+edf.htm Rugby World Cup 2007 website] (accessed November, 2006).</ref>
+
Rivaz was clear that the sponsorship was to “help us build on the brand awareness” following on from the company’s sponsorship of the ITV World Cup coverage. Sounding rather like someone building a fifth column he said the deal would help EDF build a connection with almost 2,000 amateur rugby clubs which are at the heart of their communities – a grassroots dimension which is a vital part of developing a relationship with its customers. A strategy the company clearly believes has worked in France. [[EDF Group]] has contributed to the development of French rugby from grassroots to the professional level, for more than three decades, and was one of the sponsors of the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. <ref>[http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/EN/Home/partners+edf.htm Rugby World Cup 2007 website] (accessed November, 2006).</ref>
  
−
JD Power's survey of more than 2,500 people, however despite its support for sport, ranked EDF Energy as the gas and electricity supplier with the lowest customer satisfaction score. <ref>[http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1938867,00.html “Customer Satisfaction Drops as Fuel Prices Rise”,] ''The Guardian'', 3 November, 2006.</ref>
+
JD Power's survey of more than 2,500 people, however despite its support for sport, ranked EDF Energy as the gas and electricity supplier with the lowest customer satisfaction score in 2006.<ref>[http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1938867,00.html “Customer Satisfaction Drops as Fuel Prices Rise”,] ''The Guardian'', 3 November, 2006.</ref>
  
−
==Funding and finances==
+
EDF's sponsorship of the Anglo-Welsh Cup in Rugby ended in 2009.
  
−
 
+
==Who runs EDF Energy?==
−
==People==
+
===Executive officers===
−
 
+
*[[Vincent de Rivaz]] Chief Executive Officer
−
*[[Vincent de Rivaz]] CEO
 
 
*[[Simone Rossi]] Chief Financial Officer
 
*[[Simone Rossi]] Chief Financial Officer
 
*[[Janet Hogben]] Chief People Officer
 
*[[Janet Hogben]] Chief People Officer
Line 145: Line 156:
 
*[[Paul Spence]] Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs
 
*[[Paul Spence]] Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs
 
*[[Andy Spurr]] Managing Director – Nuclear Generation
 
*[[Andy Spurr]] Managing Director – Nuclear Generation
−
*[[Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson]] Managing Director – Nuclear New Build
+
*[[Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson]] Managing Director – Nuclear New Build, previously Chief Financial Officer
 
*[[Martin Lawrence]] Managing Director – Energy Sourcing and Customer Supply
 
*[[Martin Lawrence]] Managing Director – Energy Sourcing and Customer Supply
 +
*[[Andrew Brown]] Former Director Corporate Communications, currently [[EDF Energy]]'s brand sustainability and external comms director <ref name="McCoy">Alec Mattinson, [http://www.prweek.com/uk/features/1148493/EDF-recruits-McCoy-lead-media-team/ EDF recruits McCoy to lead media team], prweek.com, Thursday, 06 September 2012, 9:40am </ref>
 +
*[[Kaa Holmes]] -previously Head of Media Relations at EDF Energy until September 2012, now 'Employee Relations and Engagement Director'<ref name="McCoy"/>
 +
*[[Will Hutton]] Chief Executive of The Work Foundation and Chair of EDF Energy's Stakeholder Advisory Panel
 +
* Mr [[Stuart Crooks]] Chief Technology Officer, Nuclear Generation, EDF. Member of the ad-hoc UK government's [[Nuclear Research and Development Advisory Board]]
 +
 +
*[[Nigel Knee]], Head of nuclear policy, [[EDF Energy]] <ref> As at April 2013 </ref>
  
−
*[[Andrew Brown]] Former Director Corporate Communications
+
=== Non-Executive Directors===
−
*[[Kaa Holmes]] currently Head of Media Relations at EDF Energy.
+
As at August 2013
−
*[[Will Hutton]] Chief Executive of The Work Foundation and Chair of EDF Energy's Stakeholder Advisory Panel
+
 
 +
*[[Henri Proglio]] (Chairman)
 +
*[[Thomas Piquemal]]
 +
*[[Hervé Machenaud]]
 +
*[[Marianne Laigneau]]
 +
*[[Alain Tchernonog]]
 +
*[[Gerard Wolf]]
 +
*[[Henri Lafontaine]]  
 +
<ref> [http://www.edfenergy.com/about-us/about-edf-energy/our-structure/board-of-directors.shtml Our Board of Directors], EDF Energy, acc 10 August 2013 </ref>
 +
 
 +
===Former Non-executive Directors===
 +
 
 +
*[[Daniel Camus]] (Chairman)
 +
*[[Yann Laroche]]
 +
*[[Didier Calvez]]
 +
*[[Gerard Menjon]]
 +
*[[Thibaut Brac de la Perriere]] former Company Secretary  (Resigned 02/04/2009)
 +
 
 +
===Staff===
 +
* [[Steph Godderidge]], Climate Change Network Manager at EDF Energy, previously London 2012 Programme UK Brand Manager and Brand Integrity Manager <ref> [http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/steph-godderidge/26/295/664 Steph Godderidge], Linkedin.com </ref>
 +
 
 +
*[[Gareth Wynn]], Head of Communications EDF Energy Nuclear New Build, appointed  December 2012. Previously headed EDF Energy's Olympic and Paralympic work
 +
 
 +
*[[Victoria MacGregor]] - Head of Public Affairs at EDF Energy since 2001. Before this was Marketing and Policy Manager at the [[Independent Healthcare Association]] and an Account Manager at [[Grey Advertising]].<ref> [http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/victoria-macgregor/2a/26b/72a?trk=pub-pbmap Victoria MacGregor profile], LinkedIn, accessed 28 May 2012 </ref>
 +
*[[Paul Clark]] - Senior Public Affairs Manager.
 +
====Media team====
 +
*[[Tim McCoy]], Head of Media Relations. A former BBC journalist for over 14 years as reporter, producer and programme editor for both radio and television news programmes, he joined EDF media team in September 2012 after three years as [[Starbucks]] comms chief; before that was director of comms at [[Blue Rubicon]] from 2008-2009.<ref name="McCoy"/> Reports to Andrew Brown.
 +
*[[Stephen Walker]] – External Communications Assistant: 020 7752 2159
 +
 
 +
'''Staff dealing with media on 'existing nuclear fleet, nuclear new build plans and other generation issues including renewables.''' <ref> EDF Energy, [http://www.edfenergy.com/media-centre/contacts-cross-business/ Media Contacts], EDF website, acc 2 September 2013 </ref>
 +
 
 +
*[[Sue Fletcher]] – Senior Media Manager
 +
*[[Jonathan Levy]] – Media Manager
 +
*[[Gordon Bell]] – Media Manager (South West) Nuclear
 +
*[[Martyn Butlin]] – Press Officer (North and Midlands)
 +
*[[Marjorie Barnes]] – Press Officer (South East)
 +
 
 +
===Former staff===
 
*[[Richard Mayson]], Former Director of Planning and External Affairs for Nuclear New Build, EDF Energy
 
*[[Richard Mayson]], Former Director of Planning and External Affairs for Nuclear New Build, EDF Energy
−
 
 
*[[Martin Lawrence]], EDF Energy, Former Managing Director, Energy Sourcing and Customer Supply
 
*[[Martin Lawrence]], EDF Energy, Former Managing Director, Energy Sourcing and Customer Supply
 
*[[Nigel Knee]], Former Head of Nuclear Policy and Nuclear New Build, EDF Energy. Was previously part of British Energy’s strategy and business development team, focusing on the opportunity for new nuclear build.
 
*[[Nigel Knee]], Former Head of Nuclear Policy and Nuclear New Build, EDF Energy. Was previously part of British Energy’s strategy and business development team, focusing on the opportunity for new nuclear build.
Line 159: Line 212:
 
==Affiliations==
 
==Affiliations==
 
*[[NIA Programme Management Board]]
 
*[[NIA Programme Management Board]]
 +
*[[Nuclear Development Forum]] - both Vincent  de  Rivaz and Humphrey Cadoux-­‐Hudson attended the NDF's May 2012 meeting. <ref> Nuclear  Development  Forum  15  May  2012  Attendee List </ref>
 +
*[[Nuclear Research and Development Advisory Board]] -ad-hoc UK government led group set up in 2012
 +
*[[Institute for Public Policy Research]] (IPPR) - EDF commissioned research by IPPR published in June 2012 which claimed that 'UK investment in new nuclear could boost the UK economy by £5 billion a year, create new export markets and generate many thousands of jobs'. <ref> I-Nuclear, [http://www.i-nuclear.com/author/admin/ UK investment in new nuclear could boost GDP by £5 billion/year; add many thousands of jobs], June 25, 2012, acc same day </ref>
 +
*[[UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy]]
 +
*[[Science Media Centre]] - EDF was listed as a funder in 2012 <Ref> [http://www.sciencemediacentre.org/pages/about/funding.htm Funding], Science Media website, accessed 20 September 2012 </ref>
 +
*[[Hold the Front Page]] - The EDF Energy London and South of England Media Awards 2013 are held in association with Hold the Front Page <ref> [http://www.edfenergy.com/media-centre/media-awards/ EDF Energy Regional Media Awards],EDF website page, undated, acc 2 Sept 2013 </ref>
 +
*[[Imperial College London]]'s [[Structural Integrity Centre]] in the Department of Mechanical Engineering is sponsored by EDF Energy. Set up in 2008, the centre focuses on advancing safety issues in the nuclear industry, including failure assessment of structures and the related material response to stresses and failure mechanisms. <ref>Professor Kamran Nikbin, [http://wwwf.imperial.ac.uk/blog/reporter/2012/05/04/nuclear-safety/ Nuclear Safety], REporter, Imperial College London, 4 May 2012, acc Sept 2013 </ref>
  
−
==Contact details, Resources, Notes==
+
==Resources, Notes==
  
−
===NuclearSpin Resources===
+
===NuclearSpin resources===
 
*[[EDF]]
 
*[[EDF]]
 
*[[EDF Energy and Schools]]
 
*[[EDF Energy and Schools]]
−
*Juliette Jowitt, [http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/may/21/nuclear-reactor-reprieve-energy-plans-doubt Nuclear reactor reprieve puts UK energy plans in doubt], Monday 21 May 2012
+
===External resources===
−
 
+
*Juliette Jowitt, [http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/may/21/nuclear-reactor-reprieve-energy-plans-doubt Nuclear reactor reprieve puts UK energy plans in doubt], ''The Guardian'', Monday 21 May 2012
−
===Contact===
+
*EDF Energy, [http://edfenergy.presscentre.com/News-Releases/Agreement-reached-on-commercial-terms-for-the-planned-Hinkley-Point-C-nuclear-power-station-82.aspx Agreement reached on commercial terms for the planned Hinkley Point C nuclear power station], Press release, 21 October, 2013
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*Website:
 
  
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===Website===
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*Website:http://www.edfenergy.com/
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*Twitter @EDFEnergyComms
  
 
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[[Category:pro-nuclear companies]]
 
[[Category:pro-nuclear companies]]
 
[[Category:Civil nuclear industry]]
 
[[Category:Civil nuclear industry]]
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[[Category:Science Media Centre]]

Latest revision as of 14:37, 12 July 2016

Nuclear spin.png This article is part of the Nuclear Spin project of Spinwatch.

EDF Energy is one of the largest energy companies in the UK. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the mainly French state-owned EDF Group.

EDF Energy was an official partner and the official electricity supplier for the London Olympic Games 2012 and the Paralympics.

In October 2013 EDF appeared to have finally secured a deal after several years of protracted negotiations with the UK government to build the UK's first nuclear power plant in a generation.

Subsidiary of world's largest nuclear operator

EDF Energy is one of over 70 subsidiaries of the EDF Group,[1] [2] which when it took control of 80 per cent of the UK nuclear generator British Energy (BE) in 2009, became the world’s largest nuclear operator. EDF operates 58 nuclear reactors in France, eight in the UK and five in the US.[3][4][5]

The UK is probably the most important market for EDF outside of France. In 2011 sales in the UK were 8.6 billion euros, compared with 37.2 billion euros in France.[6] EDF generates between 6 and 12 per cent of the UK's energy (figures vary on its webpage) from coal, gas, nuclear and wind. It is the largest electricity supplier for London, the south-east and the south-west of England and as of August 2012 supplies energy to around 7.9 million customers (up from 5 million in 2006). It owns and manages the distribution network serving around a quarter of the UK population. [7]

EDF also owns what used to be London Electricity (LEB), Eastern Electricity, and South East Electricity (SEEBOARD plc). In the South West (SWEB Energy) area, the distribution network is owned by Western Power Distribution, but EDF supplies customers in that area.[8]

EDF’s coal, gas and nuclear generating plants, wind farms, and combined heat and power (CHP) plant include:

  • British Energy's eight nuclear power stations at Torness, Hunterston B, Hartlepool, Heysham 1 &2, Hinkley Point B, Dungeness B and Sizewell B.
  • Cottam coal-fired station (2,000MW) near Retford
  • West Burton coal-fired station (2,000MW)
  • Sutton Bridge Combined Cycle Gas Turbine station (790MW)
  • Barkantine CHP Plant – Tower Hamlets.
  • 62 MW offshore wind farm under construction off the coast of Redcar. The company also operates 20 onshore wind farms in north-east England.
  • a new 1,300MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station at its West Burton site, in Nottinghamshire.

EDF wants new UK nuclear reactors by 2017

Free fast-track nuclear power plants

As part of its submission to the UK government's 2006 energy review, EDF offered to build a new fleet of French designed nuclear power stations in Britain - at no cost to the taxpayer. The catch was that EDF wanted a system to guarantee the price of its electricity - and to fast track the planning process for any new plants. Pierre Gadonneix, the chairman and EDF Group CEO, said the company was "very willing" to play a role to make nuclear acceptable to public opinion. [9]

Later the same year, in October, EDF Energy's chief executive Vincent de Rivaz proclaimed that EDF Energy was moving from being "investors in waiting" to "investors in action" for new nuclear power in the UK. He told the Nuclear Energy Finance Forum that EDF had set up a UK nuclear project team which aimed to show the government it "can rely on us to deliver safe, reliable and economical new nuclear in the UK".

As investors, EDF needed to have confidence in the government, said de Rivaz. New nuclear investments would be made on time scales extending to eight parliaments or more. Given that political risk is a key factor in setting the capital cost of new nuclear, government policy and support were vital. It was essential, he said, that the UK government’s 2007 Energy White Paper gave a clear and unambiguous statement of the need for new nuclear in the long-term energy mix in the UK. Rivaz warned that Europe is facing an energy capacity crunch. By 2030, one trillion euros worth of investment in new energy capacity in Europe is needed to ensure energy security. [10]

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Environment Agency and Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS) published new guidance in early 2007 for the assessment of new reactor designs for any new nuclear power stations that may potentially be built in the UK. [11] EDF Energy said at that time it hoped to put in a pre-licensing application in early 2007, start pouring concrete in 2012 and open the first new reactor in 2017.

Applications from nuclear vendors interested in having their reactor designs assessed by the nuclear regulators were invited by 22 June 2007. EDF Energy and Areva submitted the European Pressurised Water Reactor design to the process. [12] In March 2008, the initial assessment of four nuclear power station designs was completed. No shortfalls in any of the designs were found.

EDF Energy began consulting on plans to build a new nuclear station at Hinkley Point in Somerset in October 2008.[13] By the time it began the takeover of British Energy in January 2009 it was already clear that EDF Energy also wanted to build a new station at Sizewell in Suffolk. [14]

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and Environment Agency said they were on course to complete a meaningful Generic Design assessment for the two proposed reactor designs by June 2011, but this was delayed pending an evaluation of lessons from the Fukushima accident. In December 2011 the ONR issued interim approval for the UK EPR with a long list of caveats – 31 so-called GDA Issues.[15]

EDF wanted public inquiries emasculated

As early as October 2006 Rivaz had claimed EDF was not looking for public subsidies - "just a framework which will allow us to invest in low-carbon generation and that includes nuclear". [16]

EDF Energy’s submission to the DTI on the proposed Nuclear Policy Framework highlighted “the need for a licensing and planning environment for new nuclear power stations that significantly reduces the risks associated with investment, by providing certainty in terms of timescale and cost. (emphasis added) [17]

The submission said EDF had identified a number of issues that should be addressed to “further reduce the risks associated with licensing and planning, and increase the certainty that investment in new nuclear will come forward”. In particular the company wanted public inquiries to be restricted to consideration of local issues, and it wanted the government to set out a clear timetable for implementation of the policy framework so that new reactors could be operational by 2017.

The short-lived Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) was set up in October 2009, opening fully for business in March 2010. Friends of the Earth described it as “an unelected, undemocratic body - the new Commissioners aren’t directly accountable to the people their decisions will affect. It’s going to be very difficult for local people to get their voices heard, especially with key documents being so technical and opportunities to attend inquiries so few. If people are unhappy with the process they’ll have to take the matter to court, which is extremely difficult and costly".[18]

EDF's nuclear land-grab

In mid-2008 it emerged that EDF had been quietly buying up land next nuclear power stations, putting itself in strong position if the next generation of nuclear power stations received the go-ahead. The Financial Times reported that EDF had bought parcels of land next to Hinkley B in Somerset and Wylfa on Anglesey. [19]

Ironically, some of the land near Hinkley was the site of a proposed wind farm. Renewable energy company Your Energy had been trying to get planning permission for nine turbines on the West Hinkley site since 2002, but faced what campaigners describe as 'continuous objections' from British Energy. [20]

NNB Generation Company

When EDF and Centrica bought British Energy in 2009 they set up NNB Generation Company (NNB GenCo) to build and operate new nuclear power stations in the UK. Centrica owns a 20 per stake in both companies. [21]

Hinkley Point C

In July 2010 NNB GenCo started a formal pre-application process for the authorisation of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. In December 2010 campaigners accused EDF Energy of ‘jumping the gun’ by applying for planning permission for what it called ‘preliminary works’. This involved trashing over 400 acres of woodland, cornfields and coastline, and the excavation of more than 3.2 million cubic metres of soil, sub-soil and rocks - more than was dug out to prepare the site for the 2012 London Olympic Games. [22] EDF Energy was given the go ahead for the preliminary works in July 2011.[23]

EDF Energy had been expected to submit its application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) in December 2010, but in the end it wasn’t submitted until the last day of October 2011. [24] Local people who attended the preliminary hearing of the IPC into the EDF Energy application were shocked at the limited scope of the inquiry and the attitude of the lead commissioner. When one local resident asked who would look at the dangers of nuclear power and the impact on the health of local children, she was told the point was irrelevant and her microphone was turned off. [25]

Lobbying

EDF does a lot of lobbying. It played a key role in pushing for a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK, through submissions for the Energy White Paper and UK Energy Review 2007 and a number of select committee reports, and briefings to ministers. [26]

More recently it has appointed lobbying firms such as MHP Communications, Pagefield, PPS Group and Brevia Consulting to help it win the public over and smooth the regulatory path for its proposed new nuclear reactors at Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C.[27][28]

For more information see the Powerbase page EDF: Lobbying

Secondments

In February 2013, NuclearSpin.org revealed that EDF Energy had seconded two staff to the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) at the Health and Safety Executive. One was interim programme manager for the ONR's programme at the Sellafield plant in Cumbria. The other was a technical assistant on the Decommissioning Fuel and Waste Programme. The ONR said that all secondees are paid for by the nuclear industry and it has safeguards in place to ensure there is no conflict of interest. It added that no secondee works on matters directly related to their parent organisation.[29]

Threatened civil lawsuit against No Dash for Gas activists

In February 2013 EDF Energy took the unusual and highly controversial step of seeking an estimated £5 million in damages from environmental activists from the No Dash for Gas campaign that occupied the EDF-owned West Burton CCGT power station in October 2012. Writer George Monbiot declared that EDF was conducting a strategic lawsuit against public participation", "part of a global strategy by corporations to stifle democracy".

A strong public backlash prompted 64,000 people to sign a Change.org petition against the energy firm's civil lawsuit; a month later it had dropped its claim The Guardian reported that:

EDF said it had dropped the civil action as part of a settlement with the protesters, which it called a "fair and reasonable solution".
Following an offer we received from the protesters' lawyers to settle the civil case, EDF Energy has been working to agree a compromise agreement acceptable to both parties," said a spokesman.
The protesters, who have all pleaded guilty in court to aggravated trespass, have agreed in principle to accept a permanent injunction which prevents them from entering multiple sites operated by EDF Energy. As a result of this, EDF Energy is dropping its claim for civil damages against them and believes that this is a fair and reasonable solution. [30]

Part of efforts to neuter anti-nuclear protest?

In October 2012 a Department of Energy and Climate Change document released to Spinwatch under Freedom of Information laws revealed that EDF was one of three nuclear companies present at a National Public Order Intelligence Unit (NPOIU) meeting on 'activism and nuclear new build' held Whitehall in June 2011. Also present were government officials from BIS, DECC and the Home Office, along with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, a specialist force for guarding nuclear power sites. The other companies were NuGen and Horizon.

Police officers from three areas where new nuclear stations are planned were also involved – Avon and Somerset (Hinkley Point), Suffolk (Sizewell) and North Wales (Wylfa). [31]

All names of officials, police officers and industry attendees, however, were redacted. The meeting's stated purpose was to:

  • obtain an agreed understanding of the available intelligence on the risk to the new build programme from environmental activism
  • identify key stakeholder concerns and issues
  • identify any potential gaps in arrangements for managing the risk of direct action or protests at new build sites or to identify areas where further clarity is needed'

You can view the document Annex 4 Activism and Nuclear New Build: Stakeholder Roundtable Thursday 9 June at 10.00am, Room G07, 55 Whitehall at Spinwatch's website.

Decentralised energy for London or greenwash trap?

EDF claims to be committed to sustainability and donates to regional and local green initiatives.

In March 2006, Mayor of London Ken Livingstone announced that EDF Energy had been chosen to work in partnership with the London Climate Change Agency to drive forward work that will provide decentralised, more efficient energy supplies for London. EDF was the preferred bidder to set up a joint venture energy services company to develop sustainable energy schemes for London.

The company will identify and develop sites across the capital where investment in sustainable energy technology will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, by encouraging the use of combined heat and power and renewable energy. Not only could this lead to a more secure and sustainable energy supply for London, but also to reduced household bills.

CEO Vincent de Rivaz saw no contradiction in promoting Decentralised Energy and lobbying for new nuclear reactors in the UK. He said, “EDF Energy believes that a diverse mix of energy is the key to security of supply for the UK in the longer term and central to the fight against climate change. Local solutions will need to play their part as part of that diverse mix”. [32]

The partnership planned to roll out combined heat and power units across London; all new social housing developments will soon have to be nearly 60 per cent more efficient than previously. [33]

Ken Livingstone called on the government to abandon plans for new nuclear power stations. [34] But he told The Guardian that he sees “no contradiction with the fact that EDF also generates energy elsewhere that is not sustainable”. He says that whilst he doesn’t agree with them on nuclear power, it would be churlish of him to turn down millions of pounds of investment in the renewable energy alternatives”. [35] Clearly concerned that Livingstone might be giving the nuclear proponents a public relations coup, The Guardian responded by pointing out that EDF had declared its interest in building 10 new nuclear plants in the UK with at least some of them likely to be built near London. [36]

Climate balance - misleading consumers?

In a further attempt to bolster its environmental credentials, EDF Energy invited customers to pay an extra 0.42p (incl VAT) per unit of electricity and 0.147p per unit of gas to be spent on carbon offsetting projects. The examples it gives are the promotion of efficient cooking stoves in Bangladesh and reforestation projects in Uganda.[37]

The Guardian said this scheme was launched amid growing disquiet among environmentalists about carbon offsetting and just days after Scottish & Southern Energy was ordered to stop using a leaflet detailing its tree-planting carbon-offset project - a similar scheme - because it misled consumers.[38]

Friends of the Earth says it is increasingly concerned about the basis of carbon-offset schemes. "If companies are genuinely concerned about climate change they should focus their attention on cutting their emissions and using clean sources of energy."

Olympic Games bid supporter

EDF Energy was also the first company to sign up as a Premier Partner of the bid to bring the Olympics to London. It said it wanted to help ensure London 2012 was the “most environmentally friendly and sustainable games ever seen”. The company:

  • Provided £1million in sponsorship to London 2012
  • Branded over 2,000 vans and 20 of its buildings with the London 2012 logo
  • Ran a £1million Sports for Schools campaign with the London Evening Standard
  • £350k provided to schools for school grounds and sports equipment through the EDF Energy Fit For Fun Awards and our staff focused Cash for Schools scheme.
  • Promoted the bid through broadcast sponsorship of the Boat Race and the European Rugby Cup, 140 banners across central London, perimeter board advertising at sporting events, Getty Gallery sponsorship, press competitions.
  • Encouraged participation in sport through the EDF Energy Weekend Workout in conjunction with ITV London.
  • 3,400 of its staff signed up as "Olympic Ambassadors"
  • Provided the London 2012 Countdown Clock "Powered by EDF Energy" in Trafalgar Square
  • Promoted the bid to its customers through customer communications materials and the London 2012 logo on its envelopes. [39]

The way to a man’s heart? Football

The company, which only started to use the EDF Energy name across its five million customers in May 2006, used its sponsorship of ITV’s coverage of the FIFA World Cup in June 2006 as a way of increasing its brand recognition. [40]

In August 2006 EDF Energy agreed a three-year deal with the Rugby Football Union and Premier Rugby Ltd to sponsor the Anglo-Welsh Cup – a period when public support for new nuclear reactors was critical to whether or not they would be built. The competition therefore changed its name from the Powergen Cup to the EDF Energy Cup. [41]

Rivaz was clear that the sponsorship was to “help us build on the brand awareness” following on from the company’s sponsorship of the ITV World Cup coverage. Sounding rather like someone building a fifth column he said the deal would help EDF build a connection with almost 2,000 amateur rugby clubs which are at the heart of their communities – a grassroots dimension which is a vital part of developing a relationship with its customers. A strategy the company clearly believes has worked in France. EDF Group has contributed to the development of French rugby from grassroots to the professional level, for more than three decades, and was one of the sponsors of the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. [42]

JD Power's survey of more than 2,500 people, however despite its support for sport, ranked EDF Energy as the gas and electricity supplier with the lowest customer satisfaction score in 2006.[43]

EDF's sponsorship of the Anglo-Welsh Cup in Rugby ended in 2009.

Who runs EDF Energy?

Executive officers

Non-Executive Directors

As at August 2013

[46]

Former Non-executive Directors

Staff

  • Steph Godderidge, Climate Change Network Manager at EDF Energy, previously London 2012 Programme UK Brand Manager and Brand Integrity Manager [47]
  • Gareth Wynn, Head of Communications EDF Energy Nuclear New Build, appointed December 2012. Previously headed EDF Energy's Olympic and Paralympic work

Media team

  • Tim McCoy, Head of Media Relations. A former BBC journalist for over 14 years as reporter, producer and programme editor for both radio and television news programmes, he joined EDF media team in September 2012 after three years as Starbucks comms chief; before that was director of comms at Blue Rubicon from 2008-2009.[44] Reports to Andrew Brown.
  • Stephen Walker – External Communications Assistant: 020 7752 2159

Staff dealing with media on 'existing nuclear fleet, nuclear new build plans and other generation issues including renewables. [49]

Former staff

  • Richard Mayson, Former Director of Planning and External Affairs for Nuclear New Build, EDF Energy
  • Martin Lawrence, EDF Energy, Former Managing Director, Energy Sourcing and Customer Supply
  • Nigel Knee, Former Head of Nuclear Policy and Nuclear New Build, EDF Energy. Was previously part of British Energy’s strategy and business development team, focusing on the opportunity for new nuclear build.
  • Bobby Dean - Account Executive from PPS Group who was seconded to Communications Team at EDF Energy for four months in July 2011 – October 2011 (4 months) to assist in the co-ordination and delivery of the Hinkley Point C Consultation Report to the Infrastructure Planning Commission. [50]

Affiliations

Resources, Notes

NuclearSpin resources

External resources

Website

Notes

  1. ↑ EDF International Presence EDF Group website (accessed November, 2006) EDF Energy profile, LinkedIn, accessed 10 August 2012
  2. ↑ Terry Macalister, “Nuclear Sector Calls for New Agency”, Guardian, 9 October, 2006.
  3. ↑ Year 2011 Facts and Figures EDF 2012, accessed August 2012.
  4. ↑ EDF Energy, 'EDF Energy Nuclear Generation: Our journey towards zero harm', undated, accessed 29 August 2012
  5. ↑ EDF, Centrica spend $300 million on new UK reactor program, Platts 25th October 2010, accessed August 2012.
  6. ↑ 2011 News/Global Issues, EDF Activity and Sustainable Development Report 2011.
  7. ↑ About Us EDF Energy Website (accessed November, 2006).
  8. ↑ EDF Energy website: 'About EDF Energy' undated, accessed February 2006.
  9. ↑ Faisal Islam, "Going Fission", Channel Four News, 12 April 2006.
  10. ↑ Pearl Marshall, “UK's climate, energy policies encourage EDF investment”, Nucleonics Week, Vol. 47, No. 44, 2 November, 2006.
  11. ↑ Guidance: assessment of new nuclear power stations Office for Nuclear Regulation website, accessed August 2012.
  12. ↑ Areva British Energy move for new UK nuclear, World Nuclear News 20 June 2007, accessed August 2012.
  13. ↑ EDF Energy Press Release, 14 October 2008, accessed August 2012.
  14. ↑ EDF Energy Press Release, 9th January 2009, accessed August 2012.
  15. ↑ Work remains on UK EPR, despite progress i-Nuclear 15 December 2011, accessed August 2012.
  16. ↑ Mark Milner, “No Subsidies for Nuclear says Energy Minister”, The Guardian, 11 October, 2006.
  17. ↑ EDF Energy Response to the DTI Consultation on the Policy Framework for New Nuclear Build, October, 2006
  18. ↑ New Infrastructure Planning Commission fails to give people a proper say on major projects, Friends of the Earth Press Release 1st October 2009, accessed August 2012
  19. ↑ Ed Crooks and Rebecca Bream, EDF snaps up 'nuclear' land, Financial Times, 9 May 2008
  20. ↑ Wind-farm rights sold to nuclear developer, Stop Hinkley Campaign press release, 13 May 2008
  21. ↑ EDF, Centrica spend $300 million on new UK reactor program, Platts 25th October 2010, accessed August 2012.
  22. ↑ EDF “Jumping The Gun” with Hinkley Point destruction, Stop Hinkley Press Release 1 December 2010, accessed August 2012
  23. ↑ Hinkley C nuclear power station gets green light for preparatory work, Guardian 29 July 2011, accessed August 2012.
  24. ↑ Walker, A. Project progress analysis as Hinkley Point application made, Planning Act 2008 Blog, No.291, 2nd November 2011, accessed August 2012
  25. ↑ Government bully boy Sir Andrew Phillipson sets the tone of Infrastructure Planning Commission's examination of EDF's application to build Nuclear Power Station in Somerset, Stop Hinkley Press Release 22 March 2012, accessed August 2012.
  26. ↑ EDF, "EDF Energy and Sustainability Performance Report 2007", EDF Homepage. accessed 17/02/09
  27. ↑ Register 1st September 2014 - 30th November 2014 APPC, accessed 28 January 2015
  28. ↑ Register 1st September 2014 - 30th November 2014 APPC, accessed 23 February 2015
  29. ↑ Richard Cookson, Nuclear industry secondments to Government departments responsible for policy and regulation, Spinwatch, 22 February 2013
  30. ↑ James Ball, EDF drops lawsuit against environmental activists after backlash theguardian.com, Wednesday 13 March 2013 13.08 GMT, acc 2 September 2013
  31. ↑ Rob Edwards in cooperation with Spinwatch, Police trying to neuter anti-nuclear protest, 02 October 2012
  32. ↑ EDF Energy Press Release, “Mayor Announces EDF Energy as Partner to Develop Climate Change Initiatives for London”, 6 March, 2006.
  33. ↑ John Vidal, “Plane Speaking”, The Guardian, 1 November, 2006.
  34. ↑ Ken Livingstone, “Why Nuclear Power is out of the Question”, The Guardian, 19 April, 2006.
  35. ↑ Ken Livingstone, Letter to the Guardian, 18 March, 2006.
  36. ↑ John Henley, “Guardian Diary”, The Guardian, 21 March, 2006.
  37. ↑ Climate Balance, EDF Energy Website (accessed November, 2006).
  38. ↑ Miles Brignall, “EDF offers Customers Change to Join Carbon Offset Set”, The Guardian, 16 October, 2006.
  39. ↑ EDF Energy Press Release, “London Wins Bid to Host 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games”, 6 July, 2005.
  40. ↑ EDF Energy Press Release, “New Look for Power Firm”, 19 May, 2006.
  41. ↑ Rugby Football Union Press Release, “EDF Energy to Sponsor UK’s Premier Cup Competition”, 1 August, 2006.
  42. ↑ Rugby World Cup 2007 website (accessed November, 2006).
  43. ↑ “Customer Satisfaction Drops as Fuel Prices Rise”, The Guardian, 3 November, 2006.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 Alec Mattinson, EDF recruits McCoy to lead media team, prweek.com, Thursday, 06 September 2012, 9:40am
  45. ↑ As at April 2013
  46. ↑ Our Board of Directors, EDF Energy, acc 10 August 2013
  47. ↑ Steph Godderidge, Linkedin.com
  48. ↑ Victoria MacGregor profile, LinkedIn, accessed 28 May 2012
  49. ↑ EDF Energy, Media Contacts, EDF website, acc 2 September 2013
  50. ↑ Bobby Dean, LinkedIn, accessed 19 May 2012
  51. ↑ Nuclear Development Forum 15 May 2012 Attendee List
  52. ↑ I-Nuclear, UK investment in new nuclear could boost GDP by £5 billion/year; add many thousands of jobs, June 25, 2012, acc same day
  53. ↑ Funding, Science Media website, accessed 20 September 2012
  54. ↑ EDF Energy Regional Media Awards,EDF website page, undated, acc 2 Sept 2013
  55. ↑ Professor Kamran Nikbin, Nuclear Safety, REporter, Imperial College London, 4 May 2012, acc Sept 2013
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