Studies on Hydropower

Research reports on hydropower studies

Feasibility Study on Enns river

VERBUND Hydro Power GmbH (VHP) and Ennskraftwerke AG (EKW) operate ten run-of-river power plants at the middle section of the Enns river between the Gesäuse and the Steyr estuaries. The Water Framework Directive aims for the achievement of the good ecological status or potential for all surface waters by 2015 – with certain exceptions until 2027.

Due to the significant technical challenges of completing all measures at this section of the Enns river, the deadline for implementation was extended. To find the most efficient solutions, proposals for measures to achieve the target status for this section of the Enns river have been compiled in this research report in close cooperation between scientists, electricity generators and authorities. Based on this report, further feasibility studies can be planned and developed.

The Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna took the scientific lead in the project. It was financed by the „Amt der Oberösterreichischen Landesregierung, Abteilung Oberflächengewässerwirtschaft & Abteilung Anlagen-, Umwelt- und Wasserrecht“, the „Amt der Steiermärkischen Landesregierung, Abteilung 14 Wasserwirtschaft, Ressourcen und Nachhaltigkeit“, Ennskraftwerke AG, VERBUND Hydro Power GmbH and the „Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft, Abteilung IV/3 Nationale und Internationale Wasserwirtschaft. 

Download the research report: Feasibility Study Enns (German only)

Project SuREmMa – Sustainable Rivermanagement   

The project SuREmMa - Sustainable Rivermanagement - was initiated to prepare the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. The assessment of surge-mitigating measures regarding energy management and environmental issues should be the basis for further feasibility studies.

The project was carried out under the scientific lead of the University for Natural Resources and Life Sciences (ecological issues) and e3 consult (energy management issues). VERBUND Hydro Power GmbH was one of the partners who co-financed the project. On the website of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management, you can find further information on the project and download the research report (report German only, English summary).