Railway looks to increase efficiency of power plants

subscribe

Austrian railway company ÖBB AG generates electricity for its train services at various power stations throughout Austria. Recently, the company announced plans to increase the efficiency of its Klostertal power plant group, which consists of two hydropower stations: the 20-megawatt (MW) Braz power station and the 36-MW Spullersee station, both located in the Austrian county of Voralberg.

The expansion will consist of the construction of a three-mile water duct, additional water catchments, hydraulic lines and a pump station. These new installations will catch about 25 million cubic meters of water from three small mountain rivers to increase the Spullersee storage lake. The annual energy output of the power plant group will increase 33.3% from 150 gigawatt-hours (GWh) to 200 GWh. At the same time, the 80-year-old penstocks from the Spullersee power station will be replaced. ÖBB is planning to invest about $45 million in the expansion project.

Construction works are expected to be finished by the end of 2013.

The Spullersee power station became operational in 1925, with three 36-MW turbines that supplied electricity to the railway line in the valley. In 1953, the Braz power station went operational with three turbines that generated 20 MW.

ÖBB is planning the construction of the 130-MW pumped storage Tauernmoos hydropower station. Construction is scheduled to start in 2011, with completion set for 2014. The investment for the project is about $250 million.

ÖBB AG owns and operates 10 hydropower stations and five frequency converter plants. The company generates about 30% of its annual power requirements, while the rest is acquired from the public grid.

Related News

Biden's Announcement of a 100% Tariff on Chinese-Made Electric Vehicles

Biden's Announcement of a 100% Tariff on Chinese-Made Electric Vehicles

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden's administration recently made headlines with its announcement of a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), marking a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two economic powerhouses. The decision, framed as a measure to protect American industries and promote domestic manufacturing, has sparked debates over its potential impact on the EV market, global supply chains, and bilateral relations between the United States and China.

The imposition of a 100% tariff on Chinese-made EVs reflects the Biden administration's broader efforts to revitalize the American automotive industry and promote the transition to electric vehicles as part…

READ MORE
bright-feeds-powers-berlin-facility-with-solar-energy

Bright Feeds Powers Berlin Facility with Solar Energy

READ MORE

nordic grid blockade

Europe's Thirst for Electricity Spurs Nordic Grid Blockade

READ MORE

canada-ambitious-electric-vehicle-goals

Canada's Ambitious Electric Vehicle Goals

READ MORE

doe logo

U.S. Launches $250 Million Program To Strengthen Energy Security For Rural Communities

READ MORE