Europe |
Transforming Europe’s hydropower legacy
As Europe works to decarbonize its energy sector, historic hydropower plants are being modernized to meet today’s energy needs. Across the continent, new projects are merging sustainability with cultural preservation, proving that the past can help power a greener future. From Bavaria to Montenegro, the legacy of hydropower is being revitalized through innovation and strategic investment
THE HISTORIC POWERHOUSE OF the Inn power plant in Töging, operated by VERBUND Innkraftwerke GmbH, is being repurposed after nearly a century of service. With the commissioning of a new power plant in 2022, the original powerhouse, a listed building, is no longer required for electricity generation. However, rather than leaving it idle, the facility is being transformed into the Bavarian Hydropower Competence Centre, a modern office space that will accommodate around 150 employees across both technical and administrative departments. This project marks a significant step in revitalizing the
site, with a focus on updating the old powerhouse to serve as a central hub for operations. In addition to the redevelopment of the historic building, a new workshop will be built on the opposite bank of the tailrace. Once completed, this new structure will consolidate all administrative and operational functions under one roof, streamlining the workflow for the site. In April, VERBUND took the first steps in the
Below: New work in the old Töging powerhouse, model photos © VERBUND/Florian Nagler Architekten GmbH
redevelopment by submitting preparatory plans to the Altötting district office. The project is expected to begin in earnest by the end of 2024, pending the necessary approvals. Initial work will focus on securing the integrity of the historic powerhouse, including sealing the old intake pipes and demolishing outbuildings that are no longer needed. These early efforts are essential for laying the groundwork for the full revitalization of the building.
Sustainability plays a crucial role in the
redevelopment project. According to early estimates, reusing the existing structure could result in a reduction of about 4.5 tons of CO2 per square meter compared to constructing a new building from scratch. Additionally, the project includes a range of sustainable initiatives aimed at minimizing the environmental impact. These include installing photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the new workshop, using waste heat from the generators of the nearby power plant for heating, and incorporating natural ventilation methods instead of conventional systems. The new workshop’s supporting structure will also be constructed entirely from wood, further reducing the project’s carbon footprint. The redevelopment of the Töging powerhouse is not only a forward-looking project focused on sustainability, but it also respects the site’s long history. As a protected historic building, the powerhouse is an important piece of industrial heritage. Its transformation into a modern office space ensures that this architectural landmark will continue to serve a purpose, preserving its cultural and historical significance for future generations.
Modernise and expand The transformation of the Töging powerhouse is
just one example of how hydropower facilities are adapting to future needs while preserving their historic foundations. Across Europe, similar efforts are underway to modernize and expand existing plants, reinforcing hydropower’s role in the continent’s transition to cleaner energy. Montenegro’s Perućica plant is another notable
project, where the installation of a new generator aims to enhance capacity and efficiency, aligning with the country’s decarbonization goals. Representatives from Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) and the German Development Bank (KfW) have recently signed a €40 million loan agreement to finance the installation of an eighth generator at the project. This initiative forms part of the third phase of the ongoing reconstruction and expansion project at the country’s oldest large power plant. The financing has been secured through a new instrument developed from the collaboration between the European Commission and KfW, known as the EFSD+ guarantee (European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus). The loan comes with a 15-year repayment period and a five-year grace period.
24 | October 2024 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49
