EDF relies on three main activities to increase its hydropower production: rehabilitation (Romanche-Gavet, France’s biggest hydro project), modernisation (the Rance Tidal Power Station) and development of new projects abroad (Brazil, Cameroon).

EDF Group’s hydro installed capacity is 20 GW in France (400 MW in Corsica and the French overseas departments), 1,443 MW in Europe and 1,000 MW in Laos. The company uses innovative high-tech tools such as regional e-operating centres for a real-time performance, the e-storage project, and a variable-speed generator at the Cheylas pumped-storage facility.

Within its “value creation” approach, the purpose of which is to contribute to the economic development of the territories, in 2012 EDF launched the “Une rivière, un territoire” programme to boost the economy in the valleys with two main objectives: stimulating the development of innovative projects focusing on water, energy and the environment; and increasing the contribution of local industrial capacities and skills to EDF investment and operation needs.

EDF also has numerous exemplary initiatives in support of ecosystems; for example, the re-establishment of natural habitats on Kembs Island (the biggest European project of its kind) and the lowering of the Poutès Dam to support the local ecosystem.