Versetz pump storage
Flexible energy for the future
Heading towards a secure energy future with expertise and consideration.
Our aspiration is to head towards a secure energy future with expertise and consideration. With the expansion of domestic hydropower, we are creating the necessary conditions for a sustainable energy transition, not only in Tyrol, but also in Austria and Europe. You can see here how we want to drive these forward responsibly and what demands we make of ourselves.
Focus on storage and flexibility
The developments in the rapidly changing European energy network clearly show the challenges we face. With the necessary expansion of renewable energy sources such as wind power and photovoltaics, which are known to be subject to strong weather-related fluctuations, the storage and flexibility requirements are increasing enormously.
As a Tyrolean energy supplier, we assume our responsibility to make this change possible and are already making a valuable contribution with the pumped storage and storage power plants. In order for us to be able to continue to do so in the future, it is important to recognise the signs of the times and take the necessary steps.
Therefore, TIWAG has decided to separate the Kaunertal expansion into two project parts and to focus on project part one. For this purpose, TIWAG is seeking a final partial decision.
Pumped storage power plants are ideal partners for all other renewable energy sources: They are controllable, cover short- and medium-term needs flexibly, reliably compensate for fluctuations in electricity and thereby ensure grid stability.
For the Versetz pump storage, the existing infrastructure is being optimally used and optimised.
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Project map for Kaunertal expansion
Platzertal valley reservoir and used as needed
The Versetz pump storage consists of:
- Versetz pumped storage power plant
- Platzertal valley reservoir
Associated, necessary plant components:
- Headrace tunnel upper stage
- Headrace tunnel lower stage
- Access tunnels
- 220 kV switchgear in Prutz
Minimising interventions
Every expansion of hydropower inevitably comes with interventions in nature. However, important existing infrastructure is already available in Kühtai. Existing roads and electricity lines can be used during construction and in subsequent operation. This means less impact on our natural environment.
Project part 2:
Planning security and clear framework conditions as a prerequisite
Part 2 of the project remains under the ongoing environmental impact assessment (EIA) process. Changes in the water ecological framework are currently being discussed as part of the approval process for the Innstufe Imst-Haiming discharge power plant, which is in the second instance at the Austrian Federal Administrative Court. After a final decision of the courts, the project will be revised on the basis of the decided framework conditions.
Project part 2 essentially includes:
- Ötztal diversion tunnel
- Prutz 2 power plant
- Venet headrace tunnel
- Imst 2 cavern power plant
- Haiming expansion power plant
Entire project area up to Haiming
The expansion of the Kaunertal power plant is a great example of climate protection
The expansion of the Kaunertal power plant will save at least 300,000 tonnes of CO2 annually in Tyrol. This amount is emitted when the same amount of electricity is generated in a gas-fired power plant. Compared to a coal-fired power plant, this means that more than 650,000 tonnes of CO2 are avoided every year.
If you add in the energy from the renewable sources wind and sun, which can be stored by operating the pumped storage facility in Platzertal, then even around one million tonnes of CO2 are avoided annually.
This is more than 20 percent of Tyrol's annual CO2 emissions.
Flexibility
Renewable energy sources such as wind and sun fluctuate greatly due to weather conditions and are therefore not always available when they are needed. As a result, we need additional storage capacity to bridge periods with little sun and wind, especially in winter. This is where pumped storage power plants with reservoirs come into play. You can adapt the generation very flexibly and quickly to demand and store energy in the form of water for later use.
The Versetz pump storage uses existing facilities and expands them sensibly to make the most of the valuable hydropower potential.
Flood protection for the Ötztal valley
Project part 2 of the Kaunertal expansion project can significantly mitigate the flood situation in the Ötztal valley and make an important contribution to the protection of the population and infrastructure.
Large floods on the Ötztaler Ache river are probable especially in the period from mid-June to mid-September. Floods are caused by snowmelt in combination with rain in June/July and mainly by rain on snowless glaciers in August/September. The intake areas of the Venter and Gurgler Ache rivers are decisive for the development of flood events and the associated dangers in the Ötztal valley. The location and the special design of the two water intakes offer the possibility of draining large amounts of water even in the event of flooding and thereby relieving the Ötztal valley. The flood peaks in 1985 and 2010, but also the devastating event in 1987 and the recent event in August 2023, could have been significantly reduced.