Microgrid
The EDF group is one of the largest electricity producers and suppliers in the world,
with capabilities spanning a variety of generation and storage technologies as
well as transmission and energy trading. So as to ensure resilient and affordable
electricity delivery to all of its end users, the EDF group has developed specific skills
for 1) designing and operating islanded electricity grids of various natures and
under a large range of operational situations, and 2) safely managing the transition
between islanded mode and re-connection to the main grid.
EDF Renewable Energy also offers solutions using natural gas to firm variable
sources of renewable generation on military installations. Coupling dual fuel natural
gas-fired reciprocating engines or gas turbines with wind and/or solar generation
and battery storage technology, where needed, will enable islanding at military
installations by providing a cost-effective solution for meeting base load power
requirements while providing additional security through fuel flexibility. EDF Renewable Energy also offers combined heat and power solutions that improve energy
efficiency and can serve as a core microgrid technology.
In implementing such solutions, EDF Renewable Energy leverages the extensive
thermal generation capabilities of the EDF group. Current EDF natural gas projects
under design and construction include combined cycle gas turbines (CCGTs) at
Blenod (437 MW), Martiques (2 x 465 MW), and West Burton (3 x 435 MW) in
France and the United Kingdom. EDF has also recently completed the acquisition of
Edison, an Italian company with 7,000 MW of installed CCGT capacity in Europe.
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