EDF Research & Development Strategy

As today's increasingly digital world dramatically changes the way we produce and consume, research into electricity generation, transmission and consumption is of decisive importance. To succeed in the energy transition, the 2,100 EDF’s R&D division staff (representing 29 nationalities) are currently working on many different projects designed simultaneously to deliver low-carbon power generation, smarter energy transmission grids and more responsible energy consumption. The missions of EDF’s R&D are structured around 3 key priorities.

Priority 1: consolidating and developing competitive, low-carbon energy generation mixes

One of the major challenges presented by the energy transition is to ensure the efficient coexistence of traditional generating methods – particularly in terms of improving nuclear plant safety, efficiency and operating life even further – with the development of renewables.

Priority 2: developing new energy services for customers

Responding to customer expectations means thinking about new solutions that respond effectively to variable energy demand while also limiting carbon emissions. This involves:

• promoting new ways of using electricity more efficiently (heat pumps, electric mobility, etc.)
• developing digital energy services (real-time consumption control, smart load balancing, etc.)
• developing solutions that encourage energy savings (insulation, appliances, etc.)
• supporting local authorities in their energy plans for sustainable cities and regions

Priority 3: preparing the electrical systems of tomorrow

This involves developing smart management tools that will make electrical systems more flexible and adaptable, encouraging the injection of intermittent energy sources into the grid, and designing new sustainable energy solutions at local and regional level.