Revolution in Upper Carinthia: Malta-Reißeck power plant group starts!

Revolution in Upper Carinthia: Malta-Reißeck power plant group starts!

Wiener Neustadt-Land, Österreich - On June 2, 2025, the modernized and expanded power plant group Malta-Reißeck opened its doors in Upper Carinthia. The group operating under the roof of the network is now the most powerful in Austria. With an impressive turbine output of 1,545 megawatts and a pumping performance of 1,095 megawatts, it offers a strong tailwind for the desired energy transition. The network invested an impressive modernization of 200 million euros, which was carried out at the main and upper levels of the power plants. The Reisseck II+ pumping memory and the Kolbnitz pumping station, which both bring a breath of fresh air into the energy system.

The modernizations increased the turbine performance by around 40 megawatts. The pump performance also benefits from an increase of around 155 megawatts. It is particularly noteworthy that the power plant group now enables electricity generation of around 20 GWH - this roughly corresponds to the performance of the six largest Danube power plants. At a time when the weather -dependent electricity production fluctuates strongly from wind and sun, this power plant group plays an important role as a balance and ensures that the lights do not run out even in unfavorable weather conditions.

ecological measures and local initiative

During the construction of the Reisseck II pumping memory, ecological compensation measures were also implemented in the high mountains, which ensure precious preservation of nature. A new "natural" greening concept was introduced, which is based on alpine planted seeds and natural materials. The settlement of marmot was also not forgotten: art buildings were created for the animals that were quickly obtained, while their food was provided by renaturation measures.

In addition, a new themed path with the name "Hydropower-Natural Fishing" was launched. On the three -kilometer route, which leads from Mühldorf to the western end of the Rottau compensation basin, visitors can explore the attractive connection between nature and hydropower on the inside.

The role of hydropower in Austria

In Austria, hydropower continues to represent the most important renewable energy source and contributes significantly to the power supply. According to the Federal Environment Agency she made up a little more than half of the overall care in 2020, while wind power and photovoltaics were significantly lower. The role of hydropower will continue to be of central importance in the future, especially in view of the challenges due to the fluctuating electricity production of other renewable sources.

Developments in Upper Carinthia therefore not only stand for impressive technical performance, but also for the commitment to a greener future. The network's investments in the Malta-Reisseck power plant group are a strong sign of the course in the direction of a more sustainable and stable energy supply in Austria.

Find out more about the highlights of the new power plant: Energynews and the details of Reißeck II on the website of the verbund .