French energy behemoth EDF has unveiled ambitious plans to inject £15 billion into the United Kingdom's energy infrastructure over the coming three years. This significant financial commitment comes in the wake of a challenging year for the company's UK operations, which saw profits decline substantially due to falling energy prices and operational issues at key nuclear facilities.
Profit Decline Amid Market Shifts
EDF reported that its UK business experienced a notable downturn in 2025, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) dropping to £1.9 billion. This figure represents a decrease of approximately one-third from the £2.9 billion recorded in the previous year. The company attributed this decline primarily to a reduction in the prices it charges for nuclear power, which were on average about 20 per cent lower than in 2024.
This downward trend in energy prices reflects a broader market correction following the sharp spikes that occurred after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As wholesale costs have gradually normalised, energy suppliers like EDF have faced compressed margins, impacting their financial performance.
Nuclear Output Challenges
Compounding the pricing pressures, EDF's nuclear generation faced significant operational hurdles. The company reported a 12 per cent decrease in output from its five operational nuclear power stations across Britain. While facilities such as Sizewell B in Suffolk and Torness in Scotland maintained strong performance, the overall figures were heavily impacted by an extended outage at the Hartlepool power station.
The Teesside-based plant, which has been generating electricity for 43 years and supplies power to approximately two million homes, experienced a prolonged shutdown. This downtime was primarily caused by technical issues affecting one of its two reactor systems. Despite these challenges, Hartlepool recently secured a one-year extension to its operational lifespan and is now expected to continue generating electricity until March 2028.
Substantial Investment Commitment
Despite the recent financial setbacks, EDF remains firmly committed to the UK energy market. The company revealed that it invested more than £5 billion in Britain during 2025 alone, representing a 30 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Looking forward, the £15 billion investment planned for the next three years will be distributed across EDF's various UK businesses, which encompass not only nuclear power but also wind and solar generation.
A substantial portion of this funding will be directed toward the ongoing development of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset. Additionally, EDF is a key investor in the Sizewell C project in Suffolk, which enjoys government backing. Together, these two major developments are projected to provide low-carbon electricity capable of meeting 14 per cent of the UK's total power demand, sufficient to power around 12 million homes.
Strategic Vision for Britain's Energy Future
Simone Rossi, chief executive of EDF in the UK, emphasised the company's long-term commitment to the country's energy transition. "EDF is continuing to invest heavily in powering, supplying and building an electric Britain," Rossi stated. "Our UK strategy is to deliver a long-term nuclear and renewables generation business, and to meet the evolving needs of our customers as more and more transition away from fossil fuels to using cleaner, more secure and affordable electricity."
EDF's nuclear fleet remains a crucial component of Britain's energy mix, providing approximately 12 per cent of the country's total power demand last year. The company highlights that this makes it Britain's largest generator of zero-carbon electricity, underscoring its pivotal role in the nation's decarbonisation efforts.
The announcement of this substantial investment comes at a critical juncture for the UK energy sector, as the country continues to navigate the transition toward renewable sources while maintaining energy security. EDF's commitment signals confidence in the long-term prospects of the British energy market, despite the short-term challenges posed by price volatility and aging infrastructure.
