New running hydropower plant Traunfall: Hopes for green energy!

New running hydropower plant Traunfall: Hopes for green energy!

On June 23, 2025, the groundbreaking ceremony for an important initiative to ensure energy supply in Austria: the construction of the Traunfall running hydropower plant. As meindezirk.at , the project is implemented by Energy AG and is intended to Replace Gschröff, Siebenbrunn and the existing Traunfall power plant. These historical systems, the origins of which go back to 1888, have reached their lifespan and make space for modern technology in a sustainable construction.

The goal of the new power plant is clear: a strengthening of security of supply for the region and a significant increase in annual electricity generation by around 80 percent to 125 GWh. With an investment of over 190 million euros, an economically viable and future -oriented energy supply system is created. The accumulated effect of the power plant on Austria's gross domestic product is estimated at just under one billion euros over the entire lifespan, so wko.at .

The role of hydropower in Austria

hydropower also plays an eminently important role in Austrian energy supply regardless of the new project. In fact, Austria has a top 10 position in the area of ​​hydropower in a European comparison. According to Statista there is no longer 26 percent of national energy generation on hydropower, and in 2023 around 61 percent of the generated electricity came from this source. Of the total of 44,500 gigawatt hours produced, 30 percent of renewable energies came from hydropower.

The Traunfall running hydropower plant will not only take into account ecological framework, but also include important compensatory measures in the Natura 2000 protection area. This includes the dismantling of transverse structures as well as the creation of shallow water zones and side covers to promote biodiversity. Thanks to these measures, the Traunschlucht remains unaffected below the Traunfall and is supplied with water all year round.

construction and outlook

The construction period for the power plant is scheduled for about three years, with the trial operation being planned for 2028. During the construction work, the hiking trail along the Traun is folded into parts to ensure the safety of the hikers. The new building combines innovative technology with resource -saving construction and thus shows how economic and ecological interests can be combined.

In view of the fact that the development of hydropower in Austria increasingly focuses on small hydropower and the revitalization of older systems, the Traunfall running hydropower plant is a further step in the right direction. It makes a significant contribution to sustainability and to ensure a clean, renewable energy future.