Sale of Shares in West Burton Energy to EPUKI
TotalEnergies has sold a 50% stake in West Burton Energy to EPUKI, the UK subsidiary of Czech energy company EPH. The transaction comes after TotalEnergies acquired the full ownership of West Burton Energy in June 2024 with the intent to sell half of the plant’s shares. West Burton Energy owns and operates a 1.3 GW gas-fired power plant and a 49 MW battery storage system in the United Kingdom. This sale establishes a joint venture between TotalEnergies and EPUKI, who will now co-manage the facility.
Strengthening Flexible Power Generation Capacity
This sale is part of TotalEnergies’ broader strategy to adapt and optimize its flexible power generation capacity. Following the sale, TotalEnergies’ net flexible generation capacity in the UK is now set at 700 MW. This adjustment is in line with the company’s goal to support the transition to renewable energy by ensuring a stable and reliable supply of power, even when intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar are not producing. Sophie Chevalier, Senior Vice President of Flexible Power & Integration at TotalEnergies, emphasized that this integration of flexible gas-fired generation with renewable energy assets is key to the company’s vision for the future.
Supporting Renewable Energy Growth in the UK
TotalEnergies’ focus on flexible generation is designed to complement and support its growing portfolio of renewable energy projects in the UK. The company’s long-term goal is to achieve a balanced energy mix that includes both renewable energy sources and flexible, low-carbon backup generation, like the gas power plant at West Burton Energy. Chevalier also highlighted that this integration is crucial to meeting TotalEnergies’ target of reaching a 12% return on its Integrated Power business by 2030. By combining flexible power generation with renewable capacity, TotalEnergies aims to ensure energy reliability while contributing to its sustainability goals.
A Step Toward Energy Transition and Sustainable Future
The partnership with EPUKI is a significant step for TotalEnergies in its commitment to advancing the energy transition. The combination of flexible gas generation with renewable energy sources is vital for ensuring grid stability, particularly as the share of intermittent renewable power increases. By optimizing its energy mix, TotalEnergies aims to reduce its overall carbon footprint while enhancing its role in the UK’s energy security. This move is also aligned with TotalEnergies’ broader sustainability objectives, as the company works to integrate more renewable energy into its portfolio while minimizing its impact on the environment.
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