Author(s): Bettina Geisseler
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Dams and water reservoirs will play an increasingly important role within the energy transition in view of the intended growth of intermittent other power generating “renewables”, but as well considering the risks resulting from the severe climate change the world is currently facing. Dam safety is not only crucial to successfully ensure the long-term sustainability and the multiple benefits of a dam project and water reservoirs, in particular multi-purpose reservoirs, but it is the primary condition for its acceptance by civil society. Dam failures worldwide continue to be too numerous, as well in recent years. The International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) has recently issued a “World declaration on Dam Safety” and declared dam safety the highest priority of the organization. The paper gives an overview on examples of comprehensive Dam Safety Regulations resulting from compulsory national state regulations respectively worldwide accepted (international) standards; describes potentially diverging perspectives and interests of the major stakeholders of a dam project; proposes as conclusion the early involvement of an independent expert resp. Dam Safety Panel of Experts (DSPoE) by discussing his/her role and tasks and a potential financial impact of his/her (binding? ) recommendations, an adapted contractual set-up and contractual provisions to consider dam safety issues during the whole lifecycle of a dam, solutions how to deal with unforeseen underground/ geotechnical or hydrological conditions as the most likely uncertainties during the construction phase: e. g., by establishing a robust geological baseline report commonly agreed upon by both contractual parties (Owner/ Employer and Contractor) and a clear risk attribution to either one of the contractual parties or the use of Alliance Contracts with the purpose of sharing the risks.
Year: 2024