Donau at record low: shipping and electricity generation in danger!

Donau at record low: shipping and electricity generation in danger!

Wildungsmauer, Österreich - The Danube currently bears the load of unusually low water levels, which leads to massive challenges for shipping and electricity generation. At the Wildungen wall and Kienstock levels, the water level is only just below the low -regulatory water according to Viadonau. This Situation has led to sandbars visible from the river, which makes navigation significantly more difficult, as orf.at reports.

The Wasserstraßen-Gesellschaft ensures "proactive waterway management", which contains excavations in shallow areas, that the Danube remains as manageable as possible. According to the company spokeswoman Uta Hauft, however, the prospects for a significant improvement from precipitation are limited next weekend. According to assessments, the melting snow quantities this year are less than expected, which also results in problems for water management.

power generation in danger

In addition, the power plant operator reports association of a worrying weak water flow that is crucial for electricity production. Compared to the previous year, electricity generation in February was only 88 percent of the long -term average, and in March there are no significant climbs of the levels in sight. In order to use this critical phase, the association plans to carry out revision work on the turbines in order to prepare for the upcoming challenges, said spokesman Florian Seidl. The situation remains tense and challenges both the shipping and energy sector, as well as ooe.orf.at reports.