According to the company’s latest sustainability report, CO2 intensity has increased from 208g/kWh in 2011 to 251.7g/kWh in 2012, due to the increased operation of the energy supplier’s coal-fired stations and data being reported for the first time on its Combined Cycled Gas Turbine (CCGT).

However, it has said that plans are in place to ensure that the target is met, including increased nuclear capacity, power generated from its new CCGT power station and further renewables investment.

Last year, the ONR and the Environment Agency (EA) approved EDF’s nuclear reactor plans for construction at Hinkley Point in Somerset, stating that they meet regulatory expectations on safety, security and environmental impact.

EDF said in its report: “We plan to build four new [nuclear] reactors subject to the right investment framework – two at Hinkley and two at Sizewell”.

Jeopardising the 2020 target further, EDF has announced that the nuclear builds are also behind schedule. However, the company says if the new builds are not complete by 2020, the target can still be achieved by a mix of the existing nuclear fleet, renewables, investment and “other operational efficiencies”.

Reporting on its transport operations, CO2 emissions have steadily fallen largely due to the company’s increased use of teleconferencing technology. The company met its target to reduce CO2 emissions from transport by 20% two years ahead of schedule.

Leigh Stringer

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