A year after its conversion to liquid biomass, The EDF Pei Port central is confirmed its energy performance and its positive impact on the environment with a significant reduction in its CO2 emissions and an improvement in local air quality. This is a world premiere for a power plant of this power, which contributes to the achievement of 100 % renewable electricity production in Reunion.
100 % EDF SA subsidiary, EDF PEI (island electricity production)Built and operates electricity production means in overseas departments and regions and Corsica. Its core business is the production of electricity in island zone with controlling the entire value chain specific to uninformed electrical systems. The conversion of the port thermal power plant is at a vegetable fuel from rapeseed oil was completed on December 4, 2023, After two years of preparation and six months of implementation. Initially estimated at 500,000 tonnes, The reduction of CO₂ direct emissions following this conversion finally reaches 750,000 tonnes throughout the year 2024. A division by three compared to the fuel oil used previously. This performance is partly explained by increased solicitation of the power station, which has significantly contributed to the balance of the electricity network. On the other hand, Environmental measurement cabins located at the level of chimneys continuously analyze the composition of atmospheric discharges from the power station. They confirm the total elimination of sulfur emissions and a 95 % reduction in dust emissions compared to the previous situation, which helps to considerably improve local air quality. These measures are carried out and controlled by an independent and accredited control body (Apavic). "It's a technical feat, beyond promises ", welcomed Alexandre Sengelin, Director of the Central, During the presentation of this assessment on April 24, which also underlined the security that the use of plant fuel, in particular to depot with the disappearance of the risk of fire.
A sustainable certified supply
EDF Pei was audited by Bureau Veritas to obtain 2BS certification, which certifies the conformity of biofuels to the criteria set by the RED II Directive of the European Union on the sustainability of bioenergies. The audit thus allowed the validation of European RED II certification, A first for a power plant of this power, marking an advance in the energy transition of the Reunionese territory. This certification attests that the entire supply chain in liquid biomass meets demanding criteria, ensuring sustainable resource management and rigorous monitoring of raw materials.
Energy security of the confirmed island
The power station has maintained its initial electrical power with a fuel based on liquid biomass, Or 212 MW, covering more than 40 % of the island's electricity needs. Technical adjustments and the optimization of installations made it possible to ensure continuity of electricity production, especially during belal and garance cyclones. The success of this conversion opens the way to other EDF PEI power stations, which will benefit from the feedback from the Port bioenergy power station is. The operator has scheduled the construction in Corsica and Guyana of two bioenergy plants on the model of the Reunion plant model.
