FOI – 2023-000113 EDF Energy (HTML)

Date received - 26 March 2023 | Date responded - 20 April 2023

Request

Can you forward a copy of the environmental impact assessment of the procurement decsion 31 3 22 that locks us into these suppliers until 2024?

You will be aware that EDF energy has only 19% renewables in its fuel mix compared with UK average 38.7 %and creates larger than UK average radioactive waste

How can this possibly be compatible with plans for NHS Scotland to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and impact on the environment, adapt to climate change and to better contribute to the United Nation sustainable development goals?

Response

I refer to your freedom of information request that we received on 26 March 2023. I can advise you that we have now completed the search of our records and can provide you with the following information:

Can you forward a copy of the environmental impact assessment of the procurement decision 31 3 22 that locks us into these suppliers until 2024?

Under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Scotland Act an organisation is not required to provide information if it does not hold that information. National Services Scotland (NSS) does not hold an environmental impact assessment in relation to this as it is not a requirement for procurement decisions.

You will be aware that EDF energy has only 19% renewables in its fuel mix compared with UK average 38.7 %and creates larger than UK average radioactive waste

How can this possibly be compatible with plans for NHS Scotland to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and impact on the environment, adapt to climate change and to better contribute to the United Nation sustainable development goals?

The procurement of electricity across all NHS Scotland sites is administered by a Scottish Government National Framework, which all NHS Scotland Health Boards participate in. EDF energy was selected as the preferred supplier, further details regarding the framework are available at: Procurement - electricity framework agreement: 2019 to 2024.

In terms of the fuel mix, this is not part of the assessment criteria as the framework is a supply and billing contract. Within the electricity industry there is a unique difference between generator and supplier. Whilst EDF energy are both a generator and supplier, our framework only deals with supply side of the business. The government appointed regulator, that is, the office of gas and electricity markets (Ofgem), in collaboration with the UK National Grid for Electricity controls and governs the billing part of the industry.

I trust you will find the information of assistance and if you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Contact

Address

If after a review you are still unhappy, you also have the right to apply to the Scottish Information Commissioner, who can be contacted at Kinburn Castle, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DS, or via their application form.

National Services Scotland (NSS) is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. You can view all FOI responses within our FOI Publications repository.