Électricité de France (EDF) is in discussions with three companies seeking to source power for their 1 GW data centre projects in France, Reuters reported, citing Marc Benayoun, EDF Executive Director for Clients & Territories. Benayoun told a press briefing that the data centre projects were still seeking suitable sites. However, he declined to comment on which companies were involved.
While French electricity demand has not fully recovered from the pandemic, EDF aims to export up to 90 TWh of electricity this year, Benayoun noted. EDF typically exports about 40 TWh a year but exports increased in 2024in pat because of lower prices than those in markets such as Germany.
Future demand for electricity will result from transportation electrification as well as demand from industry and data centres, Benayoun added. The increasing demand for data centres, fuelled by the increasing use of AI, has highlighted the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy source for technology firms. EDF is extending its range of nuclear reactors of several sizes to meet the specific requirements of other countries and electricity networks.
Meanwhile, UK-based EDF Energy noted in a post on its website that we are increasingly dependent on digital infrastructure, with data centres using vast amounts of power to operate servers and cooling systems. David Ferguson, Head of Net Zero Innovation, explained how he hopes to maximise the value of this growing industry through Project Giga.
He noted that data centres have become critical hubs with the AI revolution accelerating this trend. Big tech companies such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon are now investing billions in new data centres.
“The new generation of data centres currently under construction typically occupy 50 football pitches-worth of land and cost several billion pounds to construct. They need a reliable supply of power through two grid connections. But securing these grid connections is a real problem and can delay projects by a decade, Ferguson noted.
Companies that own land and grid connections, such as EDF, therefore have a valuable asset. “We have a unique proposition in that we can supply low carbon power, energy efficiency services and net zero innovations. Project Giga explores this opportunity with a cross-company team that are working closely with potential customers including Microsoft and Google. The current focus is on commercial opportunities that bring long-term value. Our value proposition: EDF will enable low-carbon AI.”
