This decline is also confirmed at the regional and national levels. In France, hydroelectric production in 2022 was the lowest ever recorded. Nevertheless, water management has been prudent, according to Vincent Marmonier, director of EDF Hydro Dordogne. “This made it possible to cope with the peak in electricity consumption in July”, linked to various factors such as the shutdown of nuclear power plants or air conditioning needs.
A strong rainfall deficit
The decline in production is largely due to a significant rainfall deficit.
In the Dordogne, nine of the first ten months of 2022 have seen less rainfall than usual. And the situation has not improved since. In February, France experienced a long period of drought: thirty-one consecutive days during which France did not experience any real rain.
“This made it possible to cope with the peak in electricity consumption in July”
This phenomenon has a direct impact on hydroelectric production: the flow on the Tuilières site is at its lowest, at 60 m³ per second once morest 160 on average. This winter’s mild temperatures and the drop in French electricity consumption (down 9% in the first half of winter) made it possible to slow down electricity production and thus preserve water stocks.
Stocks d’eau
For this summer, an important period for the dam, the water stock objectives should be achieved. Vincent Marmonier indicates that today, “the stocks are 67% full, which suggests that the reserves will be full at the beginning of the summer”.
These provisions make it possible to supply the Dordogne river if necessary, but also to cope with a possible peak in consumption (by passing more water through the power stations).
(1) Hydroelectric represents 10% of electricity production in France. It has a strategic place since it makes it possible to deal quickly with peaks in consumption.
Work to come in Mauzac
The director of EDF Hydro Dordogne and the manager of the Tuilières plant group, Gérard Garigues, also announce that work is planned on the site in 2023. Valves on the Mauzac site require maintenance.
For the site, a lowering of the water level is planned. According to EDF Hydro, “there should be no significant consequences for tourist and leisure activities, as this reduction will be carried out following the high tourist season”.
