EDF Energy : First Minister opens new EDF Energy centre in Edinburgh

• Centre will support planned EDF Energy Renewables expansion in Scotland
• EDF Energy signs up to Scottish Business Pledge
• CEO announces EDF Energy sponsorship of Edinburgh International Science Festival and commitment to grow Scottish business

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has opened a new centre for EDF Energy Renewables in Edinburgh which will support the company's ambitious growth plans in Scotland.

During the opening ceremony, EDF Energy's CEO Vincent de Rivaz signed the Scottish Business Pledge, theScottish Government initiative to boost productivity, competitiveness and the involvement of workers in businesses.

He also announced a new three year partnership with Edinburgh International Science Festival as part of the company's wider programme to inspire Scottish youngsters to take up careers in science and technology and to boost skills and education.

EDF Energy is Scotland's largest generator of low carbon electricity, producing 40% of the country's electricity, employing more than 1,300 people and supplying Scotland's local authorities, schools, public buildings and hospitals. This morning Provost Tom Kerr of West Lothian Council opened EDF Energy Renewables' latest six turbine 19.2MW windfarm at Pearie Law. Today's announcements show the company's ambition to develop its Scottish business and its commitment to Scotland's industry, skills and education.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

'I'm delighted that EDF Energy shares our confidence in a bright future for renewables in Scotland, as evidenced by this office opening today. EDF Energy Renewables has built strong relationships with Scottish industry - making a commitment to use towers manufactured in Scotland by CS Wind UK, using local supply chain companies, wherever possible, and developing renewables in areas like the Western Isles. It's fantastic to see this Edinburgh office is set to create a further 35 jobs.

'We achieved the equivalent of almost 60% of Scotland's electricity demand from renewables in 2015, and as we race towards achieving the equivalent of 100% gross electricity consumption from renewables by 2020, this will further boost our energy sector and economy. We will outline our plan for Scotland's energy future in our draft Energy Strategy later this month.

'EDF Energy's commitment to the Scottish Business Pledge is demonstrable - investing in a plethora of STEM activities for young people, employing more than 50 Modern Apprentices and achieving Living Wage accreditation. Their three-year investment in the Edinburgh International Science Festival further cements their ambitions with regard to community engagement at a cultural and educational level. It's great to see their commitment to the Pledge formalised today as we continue our work with businesses to build a fairer and more prosperous Scotland.'

EDF Energy Vincent de Rivaz CEO said:

'Scotland matters to EDF Energy. We are determined to play a big role in developing the country's energy potential and boosting the long term benefits for industry, jobs and skills. Sponsoring Edinburgh International Science Festival, the opening of a new wind farm and the Edinburgh renewables centre are further evidence of our commitment to Scotland.

'We are already the largest generator of low carbon electricity in Scotland and have plans to significantly increase our renewables capacity. Many residential customers in Scotland haven't considered switching supplier - we believe that presents us with an opportunity to grow by helping more people to choose a better deal.'

Scottish Business Pledge

Today Vincent de Rivaz also signed the Scottish Government's Business Pledge. It is a series of nine commitments which support sustainable and responsible business growth.

As a Living Wage Employer and the first energy company to achieve theUK's most comprehensive assessment of diversity and inclusion in business, theNational Equality Standard award, EDF Energy has fulfilled all the elements of the pledge.

EDF Energy Renewables

EDF Energy Renewables' new Edinburgh centre will support its development plans in Scotland. It already has 270 MW of wind power in operation in Scotland, 215 MW under construction, 400 MW consented and 800 MW of capacity in planning and development.

EDF Energy Renewables' Chief Executive, Matthieu Hue, said: 'Scotland has huge potential for renewable energy and we see it as key area of growth. We are making significant contributions to communities around our wind farms and this year we will award £1.5 million to local people. We are also working to involve Scottish companies in our supply chain.'

Edinburgh International Science Festival

The partnership with Edinburgh International Science Festival means EDF Energy will become the main sponsor of the festival and its school education programme, Generation Science. It is part of EDF Energy's commitment to investing in education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

The sponsorship announcement follows the Edinburgh launch of the EDF Energy Pretty Curious programme, which encourages girls to choose STEM subjects and careers. Around 350 girls aged 12 and 13 years old joined a hands-on science event in the capital in November.

Ends

EDF Energy

EDF Energy is one of the UK's largest energy companies and the largest producer of low-carbon electricity, producing around one-fifth of the nation's electricity from its nuclear power stations, wind farms, coal and gas power stations and combined heat and power plants. The company supplies gas and electricity to over 5 million customer accounts and is the biggest supplier of electricity by volume in Great Britain.

EDF Energy's safe and secure operation of its eight existing nuclear power stations at sites across the country makes it the UK's largest generator of low carbon electricity. EDF Energy is also leading the UK's nuclear renaissance and has published plans to build four new nuclear plants, subject to the right investment framework.

These new plants could generate enough low carbon electricity for about 40% of Britain's homes. They would make an important contribution to the UK's future needs for clean, secure and affordable energy. The project is already creating business and job opportunities for British companies and workers.

Through Our Better Energy Ambitions, EDF Energy has developed one of the biggest environmental and social programmes of any British energy company.

In 2014 EDF Energy received seven 'Big Ticks' in the Business in the Community (BITC) Responsible Business Awards. In 2013 EDF Energy received the Environmental Leadership for Behavioural Change Award in the national Environment and Energy Awards and was highly commended in the first ever pan European Corporate Social Responsibility Awards scheme for its Sustainable Schools programme - the Pod.

EDF Energy is part of EDF Group, one of Europe's largest power companies. The company employs around 14,000 people at locations across the UK.

To find out more about the UK's energy challenges look at www.edfenergy.com/energyfuture/