Safety exercise in Sarasdorf: Fire brigade and APG are preparing

Safety exercise in Sarasdorf: Fire brigade and APG are preparing

In Austria, intensive work is currently being done to improve security in the area of ​​electricity supply. An impressive example of this is the recently conducted safety exercise by the Austrian Power Grid (APG) together with the volunteer fire department in Sarasdorf, in the Bruck/Leitha district, Lower Austria. An incredible 170 firefighters took part in this large-scale exercise to train emergency response strategies.

The exercise took place against the backdrop of APG's significant investments in the expansion of the substation in the area. A total of 130 million euros will be invested in the expansion of the substation, which will not only benefit the regional electricity supply, but also play a central role in the supra-regional energy network. “With this project, we are making a significant contribution to the supply and distribution of climate-friendly energy,” explained Sabrina Liebetegger, head of the APG operating regions, and emphasized the importance of cooperation with the local fire departments.

The emergency is rehearsed

The exercise's scenario focused on a possible fire of a 380 kV transformer filled with 90 tons of insulating oil. This type of device is not only central to the energy supply, but also potentially dangerous. In order to optimally prepare firefighters for such situations, joint exercises are essential. "Every move has to be right. It's an advantage if you know the local conditions," explained Jochen Spitzhüttl, the commander of the Sarasdorf volunteer fire department.

Not only were the firefighters from Sarasdorf active during the exercise, but seven other fire departments from the area were also deployed, including support from the disaster relief service with a further 17 fire brigade teams. This large-scale mobilization demonstrates the urgency and seriousness of security arrangements in such a sensitive area.

The importance of the project in Sarasdorf can be seen not only in the number of people involved, but also in the extensive expansions planned. The concept calls for the construction of 21 additional 380 kV switchgear panels and two new large transformers by 2029. This infrastructure project is intended not only to improve the regional energy supply, but also to serve as a hub for the nationwide integration of renewable energies.

With an outlook on the future, Christoph Schuh, a company spokesman for APG, explained that by creating this hub, the company can not only secure local supplies, but also feed excess green energy into the supra-regional network. Currently there is only 50 megawatts of consumption in the region compared to around 600 megawatts of renewable energy. This output is to be increased significantly by 2030, and the current investment offensive will take an important step towards the energy transition in Austria.

During the exercise, attention was not only paid to seemingly simple actions by the fire brigade, but the entire reaction to a possible dangerous situation was comprehensively analyzed. Well-functioning interaction between the fire departments and the APG is essential in order to be able to act efficiently and quickly in an emergency. This joint training initiative represents an important cornerstone in ensuring the safety of both the facilities and the population. Safety is APG's top priority, and cooperation with emergency services is considered an essential part of this strategy.

Another aspect of the exercise was the training of the volunteer fire department in relation to the special equipment that will be used in the substation. “The training courses are just as important as the practical exercises,” added Liebetegger. This intensive preparation is becoming a crucial factor at a time when the expansion of renewable energies is becoming increasingly urgent.

It remains to be seen how these measures will affect the regional and national power supply, but as those responsible for APG and the fire department emphasize, security and cooperation are essential. This not only meets the challenges of the present, but also lays a solid foundation for the future energy infrastructure in Austria.