Vattenfall - Safety

Safety

Safety is a primary concern in all of Vattenfall’s operations. We work continually to ensure minimal risk of fire, explosion and hazardous leakage. Our nuclear power safety is based on a multiple barrier safety principle. The purpose of our safety work is to protect the personnel, the general public and the environment. Our hydropower dams are considered to be among the safest in the world.

Nuclear power

Our nuclear power plants use the most advanced risk management systems, and a number of independent and supplementary systems make sure that individual difficulties do not lead to major problems. The nuclear plants also have reserve power systems to guarantee power if a reactor is shut down. Safety culture and safety work are important elements in the training of our personnel. For the past few years, we have been running an investment programme aimed at improving safety further and adapting our power plants to new, stricter safety requirements.

Spent fuel

One of our most important tasks is the safe storage of spent nuclear fuel. In Sweden, we carry out development and research in cooperation with the rest of the nuclear power industry in a jointly owned company “Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Co” (SKB).

In Germany, the safety level of our nuclear power plants is continuously improved and adjusted to match the state-of-the-art technology in use. The authorities regularly investigate the final storage of spent nuclear fuel.

Hydropower

Vattenfall’s dams are designed to withstand heavy loads with regard to floods and storms. A study has awarded us international acclaim for our responsible way of dealing with dam safety. We are now strengthening our dams so that they will be able to withstand the extreme water flows that are estimated to occur on an average of once every 10 000 years. Around 30 dams will be strengthened.