Hydroelectric energy - Energie EDF

Hydroelectric energy
HYDRO POWER:
ENERGY
OF THE FUTURE
Given the challenges arising over the forthcoming decades in the form of a
two-fold increase in global energy demand, compounded by the greenhouse
effect, renewable energies, including hydro power, will be occupying centre stage.
At the outset of this 21 st century, one person in two does not have access to
electricity. At the same time, the growth of developing countries has given rise to
huge energy demand. It will no longer be possible to meet this demand using fossil
fuels as was the case in the previous century, given their harmful effects on the
atmosphere and climate, and diminishing global supplies (oil, gas).
In addition to nuclear energy and research, improved thermal generation capacity
relies on the use of renewable energies. Among these, hydro energy is the least
expensive to generate and stands head and shoulders above the others. Indeed,
many countries only tap about 10% of their hydro energy potential.
Internationally speaking, the EDF Group has committed itself to numerous
development programmes, contributing its experience in hydroelectric engineering.
In Laos, for instance, the 1,070 MW Nam Theun 2 hydro plant, wich was
commissioned in 2010, is now helping the country to expand its energy resources.
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HYDRO ENERGY POTENTIAL
In France, 70 TWh out
of a technically achievable
98 TWh are generated each
year. This output could be
increased:
1) by upgrading the 10 to
50-MW plants of the existing
fl eet (23 TWh) or by building
new dams like those of
Romanche-Gavet in the Isère
or on the Rizzanese River
in Corsica currently under
construction;
2) by developing small
hydroelectric facilities,
i.e. units of 0.1 to 10 MW
(4 TWh), or by refurbishing
old mills (pico-hydro power,
ranging from 10 to 100 kW)
already in place (1 TWh).