Application of safety and reliability approaches in the power sector: Inside-sectoral overview

This chapter summarizes the state-of-the-art and state-of-practice on the applications of safety and reliability approaches in the Power Sector. The nature and composition of this industrial sector including the characteristics of major hazards are summarized. The present situation with regard to a number of key technical aspects involved in the use of safety and reliability approaches in the power sector is discussed.

Based on this review a Technology Maturity Matrix is synthesized. Barriers to the wider use of risk and reliability methods in the design and operation of power installations are identified and possible ways of overcoming these barriers are suggested. Key issues and priorities for research are identified.