Water from the Hohe Tauern is the energy source for VERBUND’s power plants in Salzburg. It is utilised many times in order to generate efficient and environmentally electricity: first in Kaprun, then along the Salzach.
The highest standards for the environment
In the construction of our plants, we create ecological niches and areas of refuge. Fish ladders and biotopes help to safeguard the biodiversity of plants and animals. Around one third of our hydropower plant surfaces are already protected by a conservation order. In addition, VERBUND hauls enormous quantities of debris from the water around the power plants – some 300,000 kg annually in Salzburg alone.
Specific environmental protection: Werfen/Pfarrwerfen power plant
At the Salzach power plant of Werfen/Pfarrwerfen, VERBUND and Salzburg AG has invested more than 2.3 million Euro in ecological measures. Environmental protection experts were involved throughout the entire planning. The riverbank surfaces are semi-natural in design and vegetated with shallow water zones. Rare species of bird, such as the coot, the grey heron and the kingfisher, have made their habitat here. In addition, a fish ladder has been erected in accordance with the very latest technology: It comprises a natural stream and a "vertical slot pass"; water is stored in a channel in order to allow small fish to migrate upstream as well. Attraction currents enable the fish to find the fish pass more easily.