HydroELECTRICITY

Today in France, hydropower is the leading source of renewable energy and the second largest source of electricity production after nuclear power. France is the second biggest hydroelectric park in Europe, after Norway, with 25 gigawatts installed. This power corresponds to approximately 20% of the total electrical power available in France. 

Hydroelectric power works in a relatively simple way. Hydropower is produced by transforming the gravitational energy of the tides, rivers and various lakes present on the territory. To create this type of energy, the first step is the installation of a reservoir system (dam type) to store and direct the water to the production plants. In these plants, the movement of the water enables turbines to be turned, which are themselves associated with alternators to transform the movement (kinetic energy) into electrical energy. The higher the flow rate and kinetic energy, the greater the electrical power.

There are several types of hydroelectric systems, depending on the filling time of their reservoirs: 

• 'Run-of-river' systems (production depends on the flow rate of the river)
• 'Locked' systems (between 2 hours and 400 hours of production)
• The 'lake central' systems (reservoirs of significant size)
• 'Pumped Energy Transfer Stations' (PETS)

Of these 4 types of facilities, those with large holding capacities such as 'lake power plants' are particularly useful and allow for greater flexibility of the electrical system.  

As regards the environmental issues related to hydropower production, protection and supervision measures help to preserve the environment and the ecosystem of French lakes and rivers. 

One of the first measures consists of establishing a minimum or 'reserved' flow to guarantee the conditions necessary for the proper development of wildlife in the section short-circuited by the installation.

In addition, in order to preserve the biodiversity of rivers and streams, passages and management methods for sediments, flora and fauna are put in place. For example, channels for fish allow freshwater fish to swim up and down rivers and streams.

Finally, from a social and economic point of view, the 2,500 hydroelectric power stations spread throughout France have made it possible to generate more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs in the sector in 2019 alone. 
The production of hydroelectricity in France covers a little over 10% of electricity production, ahead of wind power (4.5%) and solar power (1.7%). The share of renewable energy is still low and represents about 16% of the total French energy production. 

CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF HYDROELECTRIC FACILITIES BY MOSCATELLI:

Founded in 1971, the Moscatelli company assists hydroelectric companies in the construction, management and maintenance of hydroelectric facilities.
The various hydroelectric installations require an optimal level of safety, security and reliability. For this reason Moscatelli intervenes in the construction of equipment and parts necessary for this type of works or the maintenance of these when the need arises.

Thanks to our expertise and cutting-edge knowledge in the metallurgical industry, we are able to provide you with a wide range of top-quality services.

In addition to maintenance, we also carry out other activities such as equipment design and modelling, project management and monitoring, and technical services such as the requalification of pressure vessels and heat exchange calculations. 

Contact us now for advice, quotes or further information about our services.