EDF strengthens its commitment to renewable energies and innovation in La Reunion

Июля 31, 2010

The augmentation of the hydraulic equipment at Riviere de l'Est meets growing demand for electricity capacity on the island of La Reunion, making it possible to cope with peak demand while contributing to the development of renewable energies and the optimisation of the island's energy system.

With the new reservoir and the associated additional turbine, its capacity has been increased from 66 to 80 MW, or a rise of almost 25%.
The electricity storage battery installed in the district of Saint-Andre (1 MW) is an experimental installation making it possible to restore 1 MW of power for seven hours, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions by reducing reliance on generation using fossil fuels. Using a sodium-sulphur (NaS) electrochemical process, this innovative technology boosts the integration of intermittent renewable energies into the grid.
Starting in 2010, EDF also wants to develop a smart grid prototype in La Reunion, as well as in Guadeloupe and Corsica, and has responded to the call for expressions of interest issued in 2009 by the ADEME (the French Agency for the Environment and Energy Management) in relation to this. If successful in October 2010, the programme proposed by EDF will consist of:
* installation of systems in the homes of volunteer private customers which combine solar cells, batteries and energy controllers,
* fitting "Energy Boxes" into other homes, allowing them to monitor their electricity consumption in real time and thereby to optimise it.
In turning island systems into territories for innovation, EDF is contributing both to preparing for their energy future and blazing a trail for progress in continental networks.