EDF: Energy That's Sexier Because It’s French?

We got chatting about EDF Energy, the power giant that’s got its fingers in sockets across more than 30 countries. Known for banging the sustainability drum and offering decent perks like job security, flexible working, and proper training, it’s easy to see why people line up to work there.

But, like most corporate giants, it’s not all sunshine and solar panels. Projects like Hinkley Point C have spiralled way over budget... starting at £18 billion and now heading for £46 billion. Ouch.

And then there’s the spicy stuff. A €1.5 million fine for hacking Greenpeace (yes, really) and some heavy accusations of human rights issues in Mexico. EDF’s got a shiny image on one side and a bit of corporate murk on the other.

There’s a lot to unpack, part green energy champion, part eyebrow-raiser. Stick the kettle on, we’ve got a lot to say about this one.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business. 

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat. 

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

Transcript

Simon: Good morning.
Danielle: It’s actually good afternoon.
Simon: Fair enough. Okay, today I’ve got a question for you. Have you ever heard of Hinkley Point C?
Danielle: Hinkley is near Nottingham.
Simon: Spelled differently, but no. It’s in Somerset.
Danielle: Somerset. It’s a nuclear power station?
Simon: It is!
Danielle: I did not know that.
Simon: Have you ever heard of EDF Energy?
Danielle: Yeah.
Simon: Did you know it stands for Électricité de France?
Danielle: I didn’t. I don’t know what I thought it stood for, but not that.
Simon: Most people don’t. So, quick French lesson for everyone: EDF = Electricity of France.
Danielle: Love a bit of energy from there. Not actual energy, obviously.
Simon: Yep, French-owned. Actually one of the world’s largest electric utility companies.

Today’s focus is more about what they’re like to work for. I’ve done my usual bit of digging too.
 Danielle: Naturally.
Simon: EDF is regarded as a great company to work for strong reputation, great employee benefits, and a big focus on sustainability and innovation. A lot of that is tied to their nuclear energy projects.
Danielle: Nuclear’s clean, but what do they do with the spent rods?
Simon: They wrap them in concrete and store them in secure facilities, miles away from people.
Danielle: Fair enough.

Simon: As an employer, EDF is attractive. It’s multinational, operates in over 30 countries, provides job security and loads of international opportunities. Energy is the cornerstone of modern life, and they’re right at the front of the energy transition.

They work in nuclear, wind, solar and hydropower.
 Danielle: All the energy pies.
Simon: Exactly. Hydropower’s still quite underused, but it’s on their radar. Their employees tend to feel a sense of purpose, there’s a real commitment to environmental sustainability.

Danielle: Unless you’re one of those people who denies climate change.
Simon: Let’s not get into that debate.

They invest heavily in R&D innovations in energy production, storage, distribution, smart grids, EV infrastructure and advanced nuclear technologies.
 Danielle: Makes me wish I’d gone down the nuclear submarine route.
Simon: You’d be fine; they’re actually not that claustrophobic.
Danielle: Still not for me.

Simon: EDF offers strong salaries, comprehensive benefit packages, health insurance, retirement plans, bonuses, and a big focus on work-life balance. Think flexible working hours, remote work options, and structured career development.

They foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. Equal opportunities regardless of gender, ethnicity or background.
 Danielle: Good ideas come from everyone.
Simon: Exactly. Their corporate culture is big on collaboration and innovation.

They’re also involved in CSR Corporate Social Responsibility. Not just a tick box. They do education programmes, engage with local communities, and work to provide affordable energy. People there take real pride in what they’re doing.

Danielle: Which brings us to Hinkley Point C, right?
Simon: Yep. It’s all about nuclear energy.

Danielle: Is there a Hinkley Point A and B?
Simon: Of course, Hinkley Point A, B and now C. EDF is actively developing next-gen nuclear tech, including small modular reactors.
Danielle: Those are the submarine-sized ones, right?
Simon: Yes. Think shipping container-sized units that can run a town. They’re basically nuclear boilers same idea as steam ships. The reactor heats water into steam, which powers turbines, and those turn the propeller or generate electricity.

Danielle: So, like old-school tech, but advanced.
Simon: Exactly.

EDF has won lots of awards inside and outside the company. But of course, no story would be complete without a bit of controversy.
 Danielle: It’s been very sunny so far. Go on.
Simon: In 2011, EDF was fined €1.5 million for hacking into Greenpeace’s computer systems.
Danielle: What were they trying to find out?
Simon: I didn’t dig that deep, but seems like a strange move.

In 2023, a French court approved a lawsuit against EDF over a wind farm project in Mexico. The company was accused of failing to consult with Indigenous communities before building on ancestral land, violating their right to free, informed consent.

Danielle: So, head office is great, field locations not so much.
Simon: That’s one way of looking at it.

Hinkley Point C itself is responsible for a huge cost overrun. It was originally budgeted at £18 billion it’s now expected to cost up to £46 billion.
 Danielle: That’s a bit of an oops.
Simon: Just a bit. The French government owns EDF, and EDF UK is a subsidiary. There was a Chinese partner on the project, but they pulled out, leaving EDF to foot the bill.

It was supposed to be completed by 2017.
 Danielle: And now?
Simon: 2031.
Danielle: Wow. Someone missed a few milestones.

Simon: COVID, Brexit, inflation, labour shortages, you name it, they had it. Construction challenges, reactor design updates, relearning nuclear skills all added to the delay.

They’ve also had trouble with billing. EDF suspended the forced installation of prepayment meters after the British Gas scandal, but they’re now one of the few allowed to restart the process legally. OFGEM also took action over their billing system, Kraken.

Danielle: Ah, the system that sent bills for £19,000 and £20,000 to customers like Grayson Perry and Jon Sopel.
Simon: Yep. They also had generating issues that meant they had to buy energy from rivals at higher prices. All of that, plus war in Ukraine, just added to the pressure.

But still, they’re doing pretty well overall.
 Danielle: So, nobody’s perfect, but in terms of imperfections, EDF isn’t that bad.
Simon: Exactly. Their values seem solid, and they’re genuinely trying to lead in sustainable energy. When you’re operating at that level, things are bound to go wrong sometimes.

Danielle: Especially when your original budget was off by nearly £30 billion.
Simon: That aside — they’re still a great place to work. And surprisingly, yes, they’re owned by the French government, which a lot of people don’t realise.
Danielle: Everyone just calls them EDF.
Simon: Yep. But now you know Électricité de France.

Danielle: Great story. No deaths, no horror, no scandal, just nuclear facts.
Simon: A refreshing one, right?
Danielle: Loved it.
Simon: Thanks!