EDF / 2018 Reference document
RISK FACTORS AND CONTROL FRAMEWORK Control of Group risks and activities
The hydropower field 2.2.2.4.2 Hydropower safety comprises all the measures taken when designing and operating plants to reduce risks and hazards to people and property associated with water and the presence or operation of facilities. Hydropower safety is the major and permanent concern of the producer. It involves three main activities: measures to address the major risk associated with dam or reservoir failures, ■ through the regular monitoring and maintenance of facilities under the supervision of public authorities, mainly the French regional environment, land use and housing authorities (Directions Régionales de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement – DREAL). Of the largest dams, 68 of them are subject to a special administrative procedure implemented by the competent prefect; the management of facilities during periods of exceptionally high water levels, in ■ order to ensure safety at the facilities and for the surrounding communities; control of operational risks: changes in the level of the water bodies or the flow ■ of watercourses downstream of the works. EDF regularly monitors and maintains its dams, including through continuous monitoring. The real-time readings and analysis, at each site, of multiple data
(settlement, pressure, leakage measurements, combined with the visual inspection of the concrete and an inspection of the mechanical parts, etc.) enable EDF to conduct a regular assessment on the state of its dams. In Grenoble and Toulouse, EDF teams can analyse the largest dams or those dams that are the hardest to access, remotely and in real time, using a series of sensors. Furthermore, a danger study including a complete technical examination is carried out for each of the large dams every ten years. This examination requires draining or an inspection of the submerged parts with sub-aquatic equipment. These operations are carried out under the supervision of public authorities (the DREAL office at the regional level as well as the Service technique de l’énergie électrique des grands barrages et de l’hydraulique, and STEEGBH, the central French government agency specifically responsible for large dams and hydropower facilities). At the organisational level, the Hydropower Safety Inspector prepares an annual report for the Chairman and CEO of EDF, to which he or she reports directly, as well as to those involved in hydropower safety. Issued after analyses, inspections and assessments carried out by the Hydropower Safety Inspector, this report aims to give an opinion on the level of hydropower safety of the Group’s installations and provide a basis for reflection and progress to ensure its improvement and consolidation. This report is made public on the Group’s website.
2.
135
EDF I Reference Document 2018
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker