Ybbs-Persenbeug: A power plant adventure
700 years of the town of Ybbs, 70 years of VERBUND: Demonstration turbine and new exhibit in the power plant with a virtual reality adventure
Ybbs-Persenbeug has gained a new landmark and a new attraction: The enormous impeller which as of today is adorning the Donaulände in Ybbs measures 7.6 metres. The exhibit in the power plant provides for a more intense experience than ever before, thanks to innovative 3D technology.
On the occasion of the 700th anniversary of the town of Ybbs, VERBUND is presenting the municipality with a new landmark: A retired impeller from the Danube power plant will now adorn the Donaulände in Ybbs. At the same time, the new exhibit in the Ybbs-Persenbeug demonstration power plant, with spectacular 3D applications, was presented to the public in the presence of regional political representatives.
Power plant tour with spectacular 3D effects
With modern technology, visitors will be able to experience breathtaking views of the turbines, which operate 25 metres under the Danube to generate electricity for hundreds of thousands of households. With a special smartphone app and virtual reality glasses (available in the power plant), it is possible to see what is normally hidden under water. The use of virtual reality glasses for power plant tours is unique Austria-wide.
"Our hydropower plants in Lower Austria make an important contribution to the energy revolution, and are driving economic forces for investments, a guarantee of vocational training opportunities and jobs, and a tourist attraction for the region. In Ybbs we have once again gone an innovative step ahead and we wish the visitors an exciting glimpse into the world of electricity", says Günther Rabensteiner, Member of the Board of VERBUND AG.
"As good neighbours we are glad to be so well anchored in the region", comments Michael Amerer from the management of VERBUND Hydro Power GmbH. "12,000 visitors in the last year offer impressive proof of the good cooperation between the business, the operating association and the towns near the Ybbs location. Our thanks go to the Leader Region and the province of Lower Austria as well, who recognised and supported the potential at the Ybbs location."
The new adventure tour is a cooperation by VERBUND and the operating association for power plant tours, as well as the towns of Persenbeug-Gottsdorf and Ybbs, together with via donau. The project is being supported in cooperation with the Leader Region Southern Waldviertel and Nibelungengau.
New exhibit at the Ybbs-Persenbeug location
The turbine, generators and sluice appear more imposing than ever. Virtual expeditions through the machines make electricity an impressive experience. What was hidden deep below the Danube until now, the computer animation and special glasses now finally make visible. New short films and exhibition objects will make electricity even more "graspable". The exhibit spans the nostalgic early years of power plant construction in the 1950s, on to the power plant's current equipment with brand-new machines.
The free app "Visitors' power plant in 3D" is now available in the app store.