On the island of beauty, an energy transformation is underway. EDF, the electricity giant, is laying the groundwork for a strategic advance by launching the construction of the bioenergy plant of Ricanto in Ajaccio. Replacing its aging predecessor in Vazzio, this new infrastructure promises to embody an innovative management of resources. By adopting biofuel derived from vegetable oils, particularly rapeseed and sunflower, EDF is making a decisive shift toward decarbonized energy production for Corsica, while investing 800 million euros in this ambitious project.
In Corsica, EDF has launched the construction site for the bioenergy plant of Ricanto in Ajaccio. Long anticipated, this new infrastructure aims to replace the old heavy fuel oil plant in Vazzio in order to reduce dependence on oil and strengthen the energy transition of the island.
With a total cost of 800 million euros, the plant will use biofuel produced from vegetable oil, rapeseed, and sunflower, following the steps of similar projects in Guyana and La Réunion. Scheduled to gradually enter service from the end of 2027, the plant will have a capacity of 130 MW and cover 20% of the island’s consumption, reaching up to 40% during the night.
The project reflects EDF’s commitment to sustainable energy and is part of a twenty-five-year purchase contract with the Energy Regulatory Commission. This advancement adds to EDF’s other plans for Corsica, aiming to strengthen electrical interconnection with Italy and convert existing facilities to liquid biomass.
Energy Challenges in Corsica
In Corsica, the construction of the bioenergy plant of Ricanto marks a decisive step for the energy transition. Aiming to replace the old plant in Vazzio, this project will have the capacity to produce 130 MW, thus covering 20% of the island’s energy consumption, and up to 40% during nights. This plant, which is expected to be fully operational by 2028, is part of a strategy to reduce the island’s dependence on heavy oil.
A Project Supported by EDF
EDF, through its subsidiary EDF PEI specialized in island energy production, has begun the construction of the bioenergy plant, with a colossal investment of 800 million euros. This project has drawn attention because, in addition to its significant impact on reducing carbon emissions, it relies on renewable sources such as biofuel made from vegetable oils. This energy diversification seeks to ensure the security of the Corsican electrical system while laying the groundwork for a sustainable energy future.
Complementary and Future Projects
EDF is not limited to the construction of this plant. The energy provider also plans to convert other infrastructures to support the energy transition. For example, the Lucciana plant could be converted to use liquid biomass. Furthermore, the improvement of interconnection with Italy is being studied to better integrate the island’s electrical system with international networks. These efforts represent a cumulative investment of one billion euros, contributing to the vision of a Corsica less dependent on fossil fuels and more open to innovative solutions.
