S'abonner

Illwerke vkw launches key phase of Lünerseewerk II hydropower plant project

Austrian energy group illwerke vkw reaches a decisive milestone for building the country's largest pumped-storage plant, with construction starting in 2029.

Share:

Energy group illwerke vkw has announced a major breakthrough in the development of the Lünerseewerk II hydropower plant project, aimed at strengthening energy storage capacity for the European grid. The project, first presented in 2021, has now finalised its technical concept and is entering a new regulatory phase.

A technically optimised project for increased performance

According to Christof Germann, Chairman of the Board of illwerke vkw, the company is ready to submit the technical documentation for the voluntary preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure. This process aims to clarify open questions with authorities before the formal launch of the full assessment.

The project’s technical specifications have been adjusted to achieve a capacity of 1,100 megawatts in turbine mode and 1,050 megawatts in pumping mode. According to Board Member Gerd Wegeler, these optimisations will improve the future site’s efficiency while reducing construction timelines. The schedule provides for construction to begin in 2029 with commissioning in 2036.

Strengthened investments amid market pressures

Alongside technical adjustments, the project’s financial forecasts have been revised. Wegeler specified that, due to inflation, tightening market conditions and changes to the schedule, the total investment is estimated at around EUR2.65bn ($2.84bn).

The Lünerseewerk II project will utilise existing infrastructure and natural resources available in the alpine region of Vorarlberg. Germann highlighted that construction will generate temporary jobs and significantly contribute to the local economy. The project’s official website indicates that Lünerseewerk II will play a central role in securing European energy supply by integrating wind and solar power into the grid.

  • Populaires ​
TotalEnergies leads high-power charging on motorways with 1,800 stations
Cadeler receives Wind Keeper vessel and secures firm EUR210m contract
Gutami Holding signs 150 MW solar deal with storage in Burkina Faso
Europe records record LNG imports since April
Resalta acquires Statkraft’s Croatian platform, strengthening its position in Eastern Europe
China allocates $167.1bn for strategic dam in Tibet
Beijing has launched the construction of a colossal dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo, with $167.1bn in public investment, drawing attention from New Delhi and downstream states.
Brookfield signs 3,000 MW agreement with Google for hydropower in the United States
Brookfield and Google formalise an unprecedented framework agreement to supply up to 3,000 MW of hydropower, with initial contracts worth more than $3 billion for facilities in Pennsylvania.
Eco Wave Power completes production of floaters for its wave energy pilot project in Los Angeles
Eco Wave Power Global AB announces the completion of floaters manufacturing for its first American pilot plant, marking a major step towards the imminent deployment of wave energy at the Port of Los Angeles.
Eco Wave Power receives €2.45mn from EU to deploy wave energy
Eco Wave Power Global AB joins a consortium funded with €2.45mn by the European Interreg Atlantic Area programme to accelerate commercial implementation of wave energy technologies in Atlantic coastal regions.
Minesto completes reorganization to optimize costs and prepare for commercial projects
Minesto has completed a reorganization that led to a 35% reduction in fixed costs and a focus on its future commercial projects. This reorganization includes geographical streamlining, a new management team, and a realignment of product development priorities.
Eco Wave Power obtains authorization to repurchase 10% of its ADS
Eco Wave Power shareholders approve renewed authorization to repurchase American Depositary Shares representing up to 10% of the company's total share capital, during the 2025 Annual General Meeting held in Stockholm, Sweden.
Japan certifies 1.1MW tidal turbine connected to national grid
Proteus Marine Renewables' AR1100 tidal turbine, with a capacity of 1.1MW, obtains official Japanese certification and starts supplying electricity to the national grid after meeting stringent safety and reliability standards.
Minesto receives €2.1mn for tidal-powered microgrid project in Faroe Islands
Swedish company Minesto will lead a consortium awarded €2.1 million funding to install an autonomous tidal-powered microgrid in the Faroe Islands aimed at off-grid communities.
Eco Wave Power inaugurates its first American project at the Port of Los Angeles
Eco Wave Power Global AB will officially launch the first U.S. pilot wave energy project at the Port of Los Angeles on September 9, in partnership with AltaSea, an organization specializing in innovative maritime solutions.
Burundi Inaugurates Major $320 Million Hydroelectric Power Plant
The Burundian government officially launches the first phase of the Jiji-Mulembwe hydroelectric complex, a strategic 49.5 MW capacity project aimed at enhancing national energy supply through substantial international financing.
Russia Forecasts Drop in Electricity Exports to China
The Russian company InterRAO anticipates a 4% annual reduction in electricity exports, primarily impacted by a significant decrease in shipments to China due to limited hydroelectric production and rising domestic demand.
Global Hydropower Plants Market to Reach USD 318 Billion by 2032
The global hydropower plants market is projected to reach USD 318.3 billion by 2032, driven by growing demand for renewable energy, increased adoption of micro-hydropower plants, and heightened government support, according to a recent report.
Port-au-Prince plunged into darkness after forced shutdown of hydroelectric plant
Port-au-Prince is without electricity after residents of Mirebalais forcibly shut down a hydroelectric plant protesting government inaction amid escalating gang-related violence.
Globeleq acquires 51% of Lunsemfwa Hydro Power in Zambia from Norfund
Globeleq acquires a majority stake in Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company, marking its entry into the Zambian energy market with two hydropower plants and a solar project.
Asian Bank Funds Kyrgyz Energy Upgrade and Targets Kambarata-1 Project
The Asian Development Bank provides nearly a million dollars for improving Kyrgyzstan's energy system and considers an additional $150 million for the strategic Kambarata-1 hydroelectric dam.
Ukraine plans post-war reconstruction of strategic Kakhovka hydroelectric dam
Ukraine’s national operator Ukrhydroenergo announces an ambitious two-phase reconstruction plan to swiftly restore the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, destroyed during the conflict, at an estimated cost of up to one billion dollars.
Minesto boosts Dragon 12 tidal turbine performance by 25%
Swedish energy developer Minesto confirmed a 25% increase in output from its Dragon 12 tidal system, marking a key step towards commercial deployment in the Faroe Islands.
Axpo launches hydraulic works at Beznau to strengthen its infrastructure until 2052
Axpo will start major works in May around its Beznau hydropower plant to meet the requirements of its new operating permit valid until 2052, including the creation of new ecological habitats.
Orkla sells its hydropower portfolio for NOK 6.1 billion
Norwegian group Orkla announces the sale of its hydropower portfolio through two separate transactions, valuing the assets at NOK 6.1 billion. A strategic decision aimed at streamlining operations and refocusing priorities.
Eastern Kazakhstan Invests in Five New Hydropower Plants by 2030
Eastern Kazakhstan plans to construct five hydropower plants with a total capacity of 74.3 MW, consolidating its position as a national leader in hydropower despite challenges related to land allocation.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING