The historic powerhouse of the Inn power plant in Töging, operated by VERBUND Innkraftwerke GmbH, is being repurposed after nearly a century of service. With the commissioning of a new hydropower plant in 2022, the original powerhouse, a listed building, is no longer required for electricity generation. However, rather than leaving it idle, the facility is being transformed into the Bavarian Hydropower Competence Centre, a modern office space that will accommodate around 150 employees across both technical and administrative departments.
This project marks a significant step in revitalizing the site, with a focus on updating the old powerhouse to serve as a central hub for operations. In addition to the redevelopment of the historic building, a new workshop will be built on the opposite bank of the tailrace. Once completed, this new structure will consolidate all administrative and operational functions under one roof, streamlining the workflow for the site.
In April, VERBUND took the first steps in the redevelopment by submitting preparatory plans to the Altötting district office. The project is expected to begin in earnest by summer 2024, pending the necessary approvals. Initial work will focus on securing the integrity of the historic powerhouse, including sealing the old intake pipes and demolishing outbuildings that are no longer needed. These early efforts are essential for laying the groundwork for the full revitalization of the building.
Sustainability plays a crucial role in the redevelopment project. According to early estimates, reusing the existing structure could result in a reduction of about 4.5 tons of CO2 per square meter compared to constructing a new building from scratch. Additionally, the project includes a range of sustainable initiatives aimed at minimizing the environmental impact. These include installing photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the new workshop, using waste heat from the generators of the nearby power plant for heating, and incorporating natural ventilation methods instead of conventional systems. The new workshop’s supporting structure will also be constructed entirely from wood, further reducing the project’s carbon footprint.
The redevelopment of the Töging powerhouse is not only a forward-looking project focused on sustainability, but it also respects the site’s long history. As a protected historic building, the powerhouse is an important piece of industrial heritage. Its transformation into a modern office space ensures that this architectural landmark will continue to serve a purpose, preserving its cultural and historical significance for future generations.
Modernise and expand
The transformation of the Töging powerhouse is just one example of how hydropower facilities are adapting to future needs while preserving their historic foundations. Across Europe, similar efforts are underway to modernize and expand existing plants, reinforcing hydropower’s role in the continent’s transition to cleaner energy.
Montenegro’s Perućica plant is another notable project, where the installation of a new generator aims to enhance capacity and efficiency, aligning with the country’s decarbonization goals.
Representatives from Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) and the German Development Bank (KfW) have recently signed a €40 million loan agreement to finance the installation of an eighth generator at the Perućica Hydroelectric Plant in Montenegro. This initiative forms part of the third phase of the ongoing reconstruction and expansion project at the country’s oldest large power plant.
The financing has been secured through a new instrument developed from the collaboration between the European Commission and KfW, known as the EFSD+ guarantee (European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus). The loan comes with a 15-year repayment period and a five-year grace period.
The addition of the eighth generator is a key component in EPCG’s strategy to make its production portfolio more environmentally friendly, supporting Montenegro’s broader efforts to decarbonize its energy sector. EPCG’s CEO, Ivan Bulatović, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, highlighting its significance in advancing the company’s green transformation goals.
“We are pleased that by signing this agreement, we have made a serious contribution to the development of this facility. It is a very favourable arrangement, and the first of its kind that has not been issued with a state guarantee but with the EFSD+ guarantee, which speaks volumes about the fact that the international community perceives us as a credible partner. This is important in a broader sense, as it confirms our efforts to move towards decarbonisation,” said Bulatović.
Pablo Obrador, KfW Director for Southeast Europe and Turkey, underscored the success of the longstanding partnership between EPCG and KfW.
“This is the last of three loans that the KfW has provided for the modernisation of Perućica, and the investments within the framework of joint arrangements for this plant, including this contract, exceed €83 million, which indicates a serious level of cooperation, especially considering the progress in terms of the EFSD+ guarantees,” Obrador emphasised.
Montenegro’s Minister of Energy, Prof. Dr. Saša Mujović, emphasized the importance of strategic vision and planning in energy projects, noting that facilities like Perućica and Piva were built by a strong state with clear development goals.
“Energy doesn’t allow for improvisation, and plants like Perućica and Piva could only have been built by a strong state with clear developmental goals. Our generation has the honour of continuing the work of our predecessors, modernising and improving their efforts. The modernisation of Perućica is especially important in the context of the need for a stable energy source, and the full significance of this project will become apparent after the waters of the Zeta River are diverted into the reservoirs,” Mujović stated.
The planned installation of the new 58.5 MW A8 generator will boost the total installed capacity of the Perućica Hydroelectric Plant from 307 MW to 365.5 MW. The new generator will be connected to the third pressure pipeline, which is designed to handle a full flow of 3 x 12.75 m³/s, alongside existing generators A6 and A7.
Beyond financial backing, EPCG will receive technical support as it transforms into a greener, market-oriented company. An international tender for the contractor responsible for the production, delivery, installation, and commissioning of the A8 generator will be announced in October, with commissioning planned for 2027. In April, EPCG signed a contract with CGES for connection to the transmission system, marking another milestone in this major infrastructure upgrade.
Updating century-old hydropower infrastructure
In Sweden, Fortum’s modernization of the Untra hydropower plant further exemplifies the drive to update century-old infrastructure for increased efficiency and future-proofing.
The project at Untra in Tierp municipality involves replacing three of the plant’s five generators, increasing its output from 42 to 48MW and boosting expected annual production from 270 to 300GWh. AFRY is providing expertise in electrical and control systems to support the modernization efforts, aimed at securing another century of fossil-free electricity production.
The Land and Environment Court approved Fortum’s modification permit in 2021, allowing the necessary renovations to proceed. The project will replace three generators with new, more efficient units, enhancing the plant’s capacity by 6MW while maintaining the same water usage. The increase in production is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of about 18,000 electrically heated homes.
AFRY has been contracted to deliver electrical and control systems for the new units G1, G2, and G3. This includes installing new relay protection, excitation equipment, and adapting both new and existing equipment to integrate with the updated control systems.
“We are very proud to contribute our expertise in electricity and control equipment to the project. This type of large-scale power increase of existing power plants is important to increase electricity production in Sweden and not least for residents and industries in the area,” said Miriam Mesquine, BU Manager Hydro Sweden at AFRY.
The modernization at Untra hydropower plant will replace the current horizontal shaft and generator setup with vertically designed equipment. The new design features improved efficiency through modern waterways and technology, ensuring the continued supply of renewable, carbon-free electricity for another century.
Additionally, a new machine room with a glass superstructure will be built, connecting the existing intake house and the old machine room. The updated units will include modern control systems, enhancing operational efficiency and maintenance.
The project is ongoing, with the final commissioning scheduled for the end of 2030.
Each of these projects mentioned showcases the ongoing efforts across Europe to balance sustainability, energy security, and heritage conservation.
