France: The EDF Group embraces self-consumption

EDF ENR, France’s leading distributed solar energy specialist and a subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, has transformed its entire range of consumer solutions and is launching a photovoltaic self-consumption offering under the Mon Soleil & Moi banner.

The Mon Soleil & Moi self-consumption offering is now EDF ENR’s sole offering for residential customers. Consumers are able to use the energy generated by their own solar panels and have the option of storing some of it for use when they need it later. A simple set of tools enables customers to maximise their self-consumption rate, with the size of the installation geared to their actual needs. They are able to track their consumption online using their tablet or smartphone. This means they can keep tabs on their energy bill and, if need be, store the excess electricity produced by their battery. This puts customers in control of their energy consumption and involves them in a major transformation of the energy sector. This offering will help to foster the development of carbon-free energy. Both businesses and consumers are taking a growing interest in self-consumption. The steady decline in the cost of generating electricity from solar energy as a result of technological advances and the fluctuations in electricity prices have combined to make self-consumption of photovoltaic electricity a cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly solution.

Energy storage and decentralised energy generation are key priorities for EDF. It has made substantial investments to meet the needs of consumers and grid operators alike. For example, EDF has launched the first 100%-solar microgrids project in the Cirque de Mafate on Reunion Island, helping to make remote villages energy self-sufficient. EDF is also working in its R&D centres on new battery technologies (zinc air, lithium air, etc.). EDF Energies Nouvelles, the EDF Group’s renewable energies subsidiary, has commissioned a solar power plant featuring storage equipped with an electrical equipment control system to smooth electricity generation and help maintain the stability of French Guiana’s grid. In the United States, it has also installed an energy storage system consisting of batteries and IT control software to regulate surges in frequency remotely across the electricity grid. Its goal is to stay one step ahead of and support disruptive technologies in the energy and electricity industry.

Antoine Cahuzac, EDF’s Group Senior Executive Vice President, Renewable Energies and Chief Executive Officer of EDF Energies Nouvelles, commented: “Energy usage patterns are evolving and becoming more digital. Currently, self-consumption of renewable electricity is becoming an effective solution for consumers increasingly looking to keep a tight grip on their bills and their carbon footprint. As part of our CAP 2030 strategy, we are committed to supporting these changes and helping to shape the energy models of the future. This lies behind today’s launch by our EDF ENR subsidiary of its Mon Soleil & Moi offering.”