22 November 2024 – Through its subsidiary EDF PEI, EDF has launched the construction of the Ricanto bioenergy plant in Corsica, a key project to guarantee the island’s electricity system and its energy transition.
Comprising 8 new-generation engines with a total output of 130 MW, the plant will replace the Vazzio oil-fired power station. The plant will feature the best available technology for this type of facility, including high-efficiency engines and equipment to clean up the releases to air. The site will run on liquid biomass[1][1], a plant-based fuel made from rapeseed or sunflower oil. It will generate renewable, controllable electricity, enabling real-time adaptation to the island's energy needs, while reducing CO2 emissions by 65%. The plant should produce around 20% of Corsica's annual electricity consumption.
The project will create jobs and stimulate industrial activity in Ajaccio. Between 250 and 500 people (EDF employees and contractors) will be working on the project for around three years. The project represents an investment of €800 million. It is scheduled to come on stream progressively from mid-2027 onwards.
As part of Corsica's Multiyear Energy Programme, this project represents an important milestone in the island’s energy transition.
Luc Rémont, Chairman and CEO of EDF, stated: “EDF is proud to be building this new bioenergy plant, which addresses Corsica’s security of supply and energy transition needs. This work is a continuation of the investments made in other generation facilities, such as the Lucciana plant, as well as the SACOI3 project to strengthen the island's electricity network. We reaffirm wholeheartedly our commitment to working alongside local stakeholders to support the decarbonisation of the energy mix in non-interconnected areas. More broadly, we are progressing towards our target of zero net emissions by 2050.”