Three hydropower stations planned for Mur River

STYRIA, AUSTRIA - In the Austrian county of Styria, the Mur River is traditionally used for the generation of hydroelectric power. Some time ago, local energy company Energie Steiermark AG formed a joint venture with Verbund-Austrian Hydro Power AG, a subsidiary of Verbund AG, to plan and execute the construction of various new hydropower stations in the county.

According to a recent announcement made by the joint venture, three small hydropower stations with a total output of almost 40 megawatts (MW) will be operational by the end of 2015, requiring a total investment cost of approximately 208 million euros (US $290 million).

The first project to be developed is the 9.5-MW Gratkorn Hydropower Station. Two Kaplan turbines will be installed in 2011 or later, and the facility will be operational in 2013. The Stuebing Hydropower Station, which has an installed capacity of 11.4 MW, will follow, with a construction kickoff planned for 2013. This facility will be equipped with two Kaplan turbines and will start operations in 2015. Each of these plants is expected to cost about 60 million euros ($84 million). The projects are currently undergoing approval procedures, and the companies expect to receive construction permits by the end of the year.

The largest and most expensive project was announced for the city of Graz, the provincial capital. The 16.3-MW hydropower station is projected to be erected in the south of the town, which, with 250,000 inhabitants, is the second-largest in the country. At present, the company is preparing the documents for the environmental impact studies that will be presented in July of this year. Upon approval, construction will start October 2013, with completion set for the end of 2015.

The project will provide with several advantages to the city of Graz. The facility will provide energy to 20,000 households. Also, the companies have announced that they will create a local recreation area containing lanes and trails for cyclists and walkers. The facility will also be used as a bride across the river and will contain an exhibit about renewable energy.