EDP carries out sporadic noise measurement campaigns in order to check compliance with legislation in force.
  The evaluation and control of the quality of environmental noise has been an area of special focus in distribution, given that such facilities are often located close to residential areas.

EDP has been implementing acoustic insulation measures in the construction of new infrastructures.

The main impact originating from burning fossil fuels by thermoelectric power stations is the atmospheric emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particles. EDP has invested in monitoring and minimising the impact, namely by using fuel oil with a lower sulphur content, desulphurisation, and reducing NO_x and particle emissions.

The gaseous effluents produced by the facilities are continuously monitored and minor pollutants, e.g. heavy metals and volatile organic compounds, are regularly measured.

EDP - Specific atmospheric emissions

EDP - Fuel consumption 

EDP’s thermoelectric power plants have treatment facilities for liquid effluent in order to guarantee the quality of the water disposed of in water resources. 


Effluent treated as a result of the electricity generation activity (m³)



EDP’s thermoelectric power plants continuously monitor and regularly analyse specific parameters of the treated liquid effluent, in accordance with the methods and frequency defined in their environmental permits.

View detailed information on the quality of effluent treated and disposed of by EDP’s thermoelectric power plants:

> 2010

> 2009


The thermal impact of cooling water from EDP’s thermoelectric power stations is regularly monitored in accordance with the specific characteristics of each plant and their environmental licences. Aerial thermographs and measurements taken allow EDP to check compliance with the established temperature limits.

The reduction of water consumption is an overall objective of the EDP Group and has been included in the environmental programs of thermoelectric power plants. The use of cooling towers in all new projects has substantially reduced this impact, as it significantly reduces the amounts of water released into water resources.

The greater withdrawal of water is for use in the thermal plant cooling process. In open circuits, practically all the water is returned. In closed circuits, the withdrawn water is primarily needed to replace the water evaporated in cooling towers. 


Water withdrawn by source (m³ x 10³)



Consumption of cooling water (m³ x 10³)




The variations that occur in water withdrawals are mainly due to higher or lower production levels of the different thermoelectric power plants at certain periods.

A significant reduction in the withdrawal of ocean water in Portugal was achieved in 2007 and 2008, owing to the installation at the Sines plant of a programme to replace the wet system used to extract ash from the bottom of boilers with a dry type system. That project was completed in 2008. In 2009, the Sines power plant increased its production compared to previous years, which is reflected in the increased withdrawal of water in 2009.

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) of 2010 invited the world's largest companies to answer a questionnaire on water management. This questionnaire identifies the strategy, water management plans, risks and opportunities, and it also identifies which sites/processes are in water resource stress areas. EDP answered the Water Disclosure Project, reporting in detail on its management and performance in terms of water consumption and use.

View EDP’s answers to the CDP Water Disclosure Project 2009 here. 

EDP operates a waste management programme that continuously strives to recover waste and reduce its production at the source.

Industrial waste generated by EDP’s activities is collected and stored separately. It is then sent to licensed waste management operators hired to carry out waste recovery processes as the preferred final disposal method.

Total amount of waste sent for final disposal (t)
 


Total amount of hazardous waste sent for final disposal (t)



Total waste sent for recovery processes (%)




Main waste categories (t)



During EDP’s generation activities, significant amounts of fly ash and slag are produced from the coal and fuel oil burned in thermoelectric power stations, along with gypsum, produced from the installed desulphurisation processes. It has been company practice, whenever possible, to ensure the recovery of this waste.

Coal fly ash, which has EC certification, and more recently gypsum, which received this status in late 2010, have been reclassified as by-products by the competent authorities. Therefore, as of 2011 EDP will provide an itemised report on waste and waste by-products.

In addition to national recognition, these substances were also registered as by-products in 2010 under REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical Substances).

In accordance with the Basel Convention, EDP limits the cross-border movement of its waste. The company only allows the export of PCB waste or waste from accidents occurring in countries that lack the technical capacity and facilities needed to dispose of the waste.

In 2010, the programme to screen and dispose of equipment containing PCB levels higher than 500 ppm was concluded in European countries where the EDP Group has a presence. In Brazil, EDP Bandeirante has a plan to dispose of all equipment containing PCBs, which will be concluded in 2011.¹

Total PCB waste sent for final disposal (t)



Note 1: The legislation in force in São Paulo State where EDP Bandeirante operates is Law no.12.288 Febuary 22nd 2006 – DOE SP DE 23/02/2006

Fuels, together with water, make up the main natural resources used by electricity generation processes at thermoelectric power stations and by the vehicle fleet.

The sustainable growth strategy adopted by EDP, reflected in the growth of renewable energies, the gradual decommissioning of fuel oil and diesel oil-fired power stations, and the investment in more efficient natural gas power stations, has led to a significant drop in the consumption of primary energy associated with fuels: -37% between 2006 and 2010.

Primary energy consumption (TJ)




In addition to these resources, electricity generation involves the use of chemical products whose yearly consumption in 2010 is summarised in the table below.

Consumption of chemical products in thermal power stations in 2010 (t)

In addition to fully complying with the applicable legislation and regulations, EDP systematically follows the development of national and international scientific studies. It also adopts the recommendations of global reference entities, especially those of the World Health Organization (WHO).