VGB POWERTECH 7 (2020) - International Journal for Generation and Storage of Electricity and Heat

VGB PowerTech 7 l 2020
Technical risk management of hydropower plants
meetings, the parties discuss and re-assess
any risk entries, as well as any new risks
that have evolved and need to be assessed.
In this process, the central risk manager is
responsible for the overall completeness,
validity and consistency of the risk assessment
carried out by the local site specialist,
to ensure that risk assessments are not biased,
but objective and comparable.
Consequently, it allows a comparison to be
made with risks of other sites and thus a
prioritization of all risk mitigation projects
for an optimal allocation of available risk
mitigation budgets by the company.
Risk reporting
The central asset risk management department
prepares quarterly risk reports from
the PT-Risk database, outlining the highest
risks within the various risk categories and
summarizing the overall risk situation (see
F i g u r e 7 ). For each risk listed in the report,
a short summary of the current risk
status is presented. The report is published
and distributed to Uniper management for
information, so that the actual risk situation
of the asset portfolio can be seen by
the responsible decision makers for any
corrective actions to be taken.
Uniper also applies advanced analytics and
business intelligence IT-tools to visualize
its asset risk portfolio and to make respective
dashboards available online for everyone
at Uniper working on, or interested in,
this topic.
Conclusion
A risk-based systematic approach in the
form of a well-defined asset risk management
system clearly supports an effective
prioritization of required risk mitigation
and maintenance measures, especially for
large portfolios. It facilitates an optimal allocation
of respective budgets to plants
where they are objectively most needed.
The systematic approach also supports
compliance with regulations, and the
transparency this risk management process
produces is highly appreciated by insurance
companies, at times when insurers
are reluctant to insure mixed portfolios, or
are under pressure to step out of some sectors
of the business.
However, the success of an asset risk management
system depends on several factors.
For example, it is vital to set up a
framework first, which defines a company’s
risk aversion and the risk prioritization
principles. Tools for the systematic identification
of risks are required, and the development
of an assessment guideline is crucial
for the consistency and comparability
of risk assessments. Finally, it is very important
to establish a corresponding culture
of thinking in ‘risk dimensions’ in the
organization, which takes time (AERO was
first implemented in 2010, with other
methodologies developed and introduced
in later years).
In summary, it is not always simple to attach
an issue to the actual risk category and
describe the potential failure scenario or
determine the failure probability. However,
a systematic evaluation of probabilities
and impacts ensures consistent ranking of
the identified risks. Estimating probabilities
close to reality protects Uniper against
overspending or taking excessive risks
(with higher failure rates/incidents).
Acknowledgement:
This article was originally published by
Aqua~Media International in The International
Journal on Hydropower and Dams,
Vol. 27, Issue 3, and should not be reproduced
without prior approval and acknowledgement.
l
VGB-Standard
Interaction of Conformity Assessment and Industrial Safety
in Hydropower Plants
Zusammenwirken von Konformitätsbewertung und Arbeitsschutz
in Wasserkraftanlagen
Ausgabe/edition 2017 – VGB-S-033-00-2017-07-EN/ VGB-S-033-00-2017-07-DE
DIN A4, 106 Pa ges, Pri ce for VGB mem bers € 180,–, for non mem bers € 240,–, + VAT, ship ping and hand ling.
DIN A4, 106 Pages, Preis für VGB-Mit glie der € 180.–, für Nicht mit glie der € 240,–, + Ver sand kos ten und MwSt.
European legislation strictly distinguishes between the characteristics and the utilization of work equipment
(“New Approach”).
Products placed on the market can be considered in general as safe (Directive 2001/95/EC on
general product safety).
Products as well are subject to specific safety requirements imposed by Community legislation (CE directives).
Employers can assume that work equipment is safe within the boundaries defined by the manufacturer.
For subcontracted parts, manufacturers can refer to provided certificates and documentation.
In this context, hydropower generation bears some specifics in terms of technology, operational conditions,
regulatory framework and external influences.
VGB PowerTech and experts from various companies agreed to develop a practical guideline to this complex matter for
hydropower operating companies and manufacturers.
This first English edition is based on the second German edition, which includes the outcomes of a comprehensive review
performed by the original authors.
VGB-Standard
Interaction of Conformity
Assessment and Industrial
Safety in Hydropower Plants
1 st English edition, 2017
VGB-S-033-00-2017-07-EN
This document is intended to support the involved parties in achieving compliance for all regulatory requirements and to foster a cooperative
project realization.
The guidance provided in this document assumes the correct technical characteristics for all components of a product.
Chapter 4 provides a general overview on hydropower generation, which allows a first introduction into this complex matter,
while the remaining chapters are essential.
In Chapter 11, practical hydropower examples are described.
* Access for eBooks (PDF files) is included in the membership fees for Ordinary Members (operators, plant owners) of VGB PowerTech e.V.
* Für Ordentliche Mitglieder des VGB ist der Bezug von eBooks im Mitgliedsbeitrag enthalten.
VGB PowerTech Service GmbH
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