Since 1 July 2004, the decree implementing European Directive 2003/54/EC of 26/06/03 requires electricity suppliers to inform their customers of:

the breakdown between the different sources of energy used to supply electricity;

the CO2 and radioactive waste content of the kilowatt-hour generated.


ORIGIN OF ELECTRICITY

In 2009, to supply electricity under the best conditions and at the best
price, EDF optimised its generating facilities and bought energy from other producers. The different primary energy sources used are broken down in the following chart.

Some customers expressed the wish to buy electricity generated from a
renewable energy source. The corresponding volumes have consequently been
deducted from the EDF energy mix (see breakdown chart).


CO2 AND RADIOACTIVE WASTE CONTENT

In 2009, a kWh of electricity supplied by EDF led to:

 The emission of 58.4 g of CO2

 The production of:

  - 9.7 mg/kWh of short-lived radioactive waste
  - 0.9 mg/kWh of long-lived radioactive waste

Short-lived radioactive waste is mainly produced by nuclear power plant maintenance operations (gloves, tools, protective clothing) or is related to the everyday operation of these facilities (filters, resins, etc.). This waste is conditioned in metal or concrete drums, then stored on the surface under wholly safe conditions. It loses half of its radioactivity in less than thirty years.
Long-lived radioactive waste, highly radioactive, is made up particularly of parts of nuclear fuel that cannot be used again after utilisation. During the reprocessing of spent fuel, this waste is kept in blocks of glass, then conditioned in stainless steel containers. A number of research programmes, notably financed by EDF, are currently under way and focus on the storage of such waste over long periods of time. In 2006, French Parliament decided in favour of a permanent disposal solution for France.

To know more about the EDF Groups other indicators:
 Sustainable Development Annual Report 2008