Hydro energy generation
HYDRAULICS
Hydropower generation has always been one of the drivers of the energy transition.
With 600 dams and more than 10% of total annual energy production, water has become the renewable energy most used by the EDF Group!
Now, find out more about the major projects aimed at optimising the efficiency of our dams, their maintenance and the security of the men and women who work on them or live nearby.
Ready? Let’s go!
Did you know?
Today, EDF is the leader in hydropower in the European Union. EDF's R&D department is carrying out a wide range of work to meet the various challenges facing hydropower. Find out more in this video!
R&D and hydropower
Duration: 1:33
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EDF R&D and Hydropower
EDF is currently the leading hydropower producer in the European Union:
- 600 dams operated across France
- 20 GW of installed capacity
- EDF's second-largest source of electricity generation
- 10% of EDF's total electricity generation
Flexible and storable, hydropower plays an active role in balancing the electricity system and ensuring grid security.
Example of the “Saut de l'Ange” facility at EDF Lab Chatou.
EDF R&D conducts extensive research to address the various challenges facing its hydropower fleet.
To enhance hydropower safety, EDF R&D develops powerful computational tools to verify the structural integrity of dams, new technologies to monitor and inspect structures, and physical models to simulate water flows around facilities.
EDF R&D supports the digital transformation of hydropower through IoT technologies and telecommunications solutions for connected field personnel.
Another key challenge is extending the service life of hydropower plants and optimizing their maintenance. To address this, EDF R&D develops diagnostic tools for machinery, paving the way for the first Digital Twins. Additive manufacturing processes are also being applied to hydropower plant components to reduce maintenance costs.
EDF R&D teams work closely with EDF Hydro, the division responsible for the Group's hydropower fleet, to tackle the many challenges facing hydropower.
Find out more at edf.fr/recherche
To find out more
Water management and hydraulic structures within the EDF Group