It is estimated that by 2050, 75% of the world’s population will be living in urban areas, which could account for 75% of all energy consumed. It also sets new challenges for urban areas: controlled development, interconnected transport systems, economic and cultural appeal, access to essential services, environmental quality and social inclusion, to name but a few. EDF is supporting cities and regions in their transition to a lower carbon economy.

EDF has a long-standing relationship with the regions in which it works, and does not limit itself to simply supplying electricity.

Wherever it works, EDF brings with it its cross-disciplinary vision of a more sustainable city:

• Energy efficient
• Low carbon 
• “Green” to protect biodiversity and provide comfortable conditions for the people who live there
• Accessible, to limit compulsory travel
• People-focused, to promote mixed communities

A number of initiatives are also in place to combat fuel poverty among the most vulnerable members of society.

Through its subsidiaries and businesses (EDF Collectivités, Citelum, Optimal Solutions, Dalkia, etc.), EDF supports local authorities in identifying and harnessing their energy resources and reducing the energy consumed by buildings, streetlights and transport.

EDF and its subsidiaries support local authorities through making energy saving improvements to old buildings.

The Group works on simpler, more efficient urban lighting solutions, which is the biggest expense of local authorities.

To reduce transport expenditure, EDF prioritises soft mobility: electrical transport, efficient batteries (in partnership with Electranova), charging stations and car-sharing (Autobleue in Nice, for example).

Regions have a central role to play in the fight against climate change through the development of zero carbon local solutions. EDF is a partner of the NGO R20 – Regions of Climate Action, founded in 2010 by Arnold Schwarzenegger, then Governor of California, with support from the United Nations. The organisation brings together local authorities, private enterprise, NGOs and financial institutions that are looking to design and deliver innovative energy solutions.

The R20’s positioning echoes the two main concerns of EDF: zero carbon electricity to combat climate change, and a local aspect at the heart of its business.