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Kaprun is investing in the future: new power plants and ecological challenges
Verbund is investing in the future: The new Schaufelberg pumped storage power plant in Kaprun is scheduled to be built by 2030. Modernization of existing facilities and ecological water protection are the focus.
Kaprun is investing in the future: new power plants and ecological challenges
In picturesque Kaprun and the surrounding Piesendorf, Verbund AG is planning extensive investments in the modernization and expansion of the existing hydroelectric power plants. At a recent press conference, the company presented future projects for the region during a tour of the Kaprun main stage power plant. This not only includes the renovation of the oldest power plants, Limberg I and Main Stage, but also the newly planned Schaufelberg pumped storage power plant.
The overall project “Kaprun 2029” was presented in the presence of representatives of the community, including mayors Bernhard Auernigg from Piesendorf and Domenik David from Kaprun. A key theme was the urgent need to extend water use rights as they expire in 2029. The modernization of existing facilities is also a crucial step in creating the conditions for this re-awarding.
Ecological considerations and technical innovations
The planned Schaufelberg pumped storage power plant will largely be built underground, which takes advantage of the optimal conditions from a geological point of view. The project manager Thomas Etzer explained that the pressure tunnels should be built between 2025 and 2027. Only the compensation basin will be visible on the surface.
Ecologist Regina Petz-Glechner emphasized the importance of water protection for the Kapruner Ache. "There is currently only a small proportion of fish in the water. By developing the pumped storage power plant, we will be able to implement measures to improve water quality," she said. Among other things, the aim is to reduce the flood flow, which means that the well-being of the fish and the population can be taken into account equally.
Another goal of the operators is grid stability during the energy transition. Tanja Janisch-Breuer from Verbund explained that large annual storage facilities in Kaprun are a significant advantage. These enable a stable energy supply, which is particularly important in view of the growing number of electric cars. Experts expect that the new Schaufelberg pumped storage power plant will not be ready for operation until 2030 at the earliest.
For more details and current information on developments in Kaprun and Piesendorf, see the comprehensive reporting www.meinkreis.at referred.