The outdated power plant Laufnitzdorf Mur north of Graz is being revived at a cost of millions. Within two years, production is to be increased by 30 percent. No new areas are being built, but the aforementioned “old skin” is being upgraded from within.
“You breathe in economic history,” says Governor Christopher Drexler (ÖVP). The power plant is now almost 100 years old and the historic Kaplan turbines date from the 1930s. The system will be maintained in the future, but turbines “with a new dimension” will now be used, as Verbund director Michael Amerer explained on Monday. The performance is to be increased by 30 percent.
Revitalization instead of new sealing
The association is investing a total of 65 million euros in modernization. The motto is to expand existing locations instead of opening new ones and thus use extra space. You are ‘very sensitive to nature’, says Amerer. In this way, the ‘old skin’ is preserved, but equipped with ‘state-of-the-art technology’.
Laufnitzdorf becomes number one on the Mur again
When the Laufnitzdorf site was put into operation in 1931, it was the largest fluvial power plant in Austria. With the renovation almost 100 years later, it will once again be the most powerful power plant on the Mur, supplying around 40,000 households with energy.
Flood protection and new bridges
In addition to the technical inner workings, investments are also being made in the area surrounding the power plant. After all, the buildings extend from Pernegg in the north to Frohnleiten in the south. Here, for example, the flood dams on the factory moat are being expanded. The Mixnitz weir system, which, like the power plant itself, is a national monument, is also being prepared for the future.
In the coming two years, a total of seven kilometres of upper reaches of the canal will be renovated. In the municipality of Frohnleiten, two new bridges will be built over the canal and safety measures will be strengthened.
“Mammoth task” for sustainability and independence
Environment Minister Ursula Lackner (SPÖ) sees a “gigantic task” that represents a major step towards sustainable electricity generation and should increase Styria’s independence in the energy sector. ÖVP Governor Drexler speaks of an “excellent project”.
Association boss Amerer emphasizes the “very cautious” approach without further use of space. His company enjoys a good reputation in Europe when it comes to revitalization and renaturation, as can be seen in the past with projects along the Enns.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
