Over 90 per cent of the energy generated in 2024 came from hydropower. When generating energy from hydropower, it is not only ecological sustainability that plays a role, but also security of supply: hydropower plants can be regulated quickly and therefore provide a stable basis in the energy mix. They are becoming increasingly important, especially in times of growing dependence on wind and solar power, as they can compensate for weather-related fluctuations.
Hydropower as the backbone of Austria's electricity supply
VERBUND AG, Austria's leading energy company, plays a central role in Austria's energy supply. It operates over 130 hydropower plants in Austria and Germany, many of which are located along the Danube and in the Alps. In addition to traditional run-of-river power plants, VERBUND is increasingly focussing on pumped storage power plants, which act like giant "green batteries". They can store energy and feed it into the grid within seconds when needed - a decisive factor for the stability of the energy system.
The Malta-Reisseck power plant group - storage giant with future potential
One outstanding example is the Malta-Reißeck power plant group in Carinthia. It has been extensively modernised and expanded in recent years. With a turbine capacity of more than 1,500 megawatts, it can provide as much electricity as six Danube power plants at the same time. Thanks to the Kölnbrein storage facility, it is possible to temporarily store the generation of hundreds of wind turbines and call it up flexibly when required. The plant thus makes a significant contribution to the transformation towards a climate-neutral energy system.
#schongenial: This makes the Malta-Reisseck Group's pumped storage power plants not only Austria's largest "green battery", but also a guarantee for security of supply and grid stability - around the clock and in line with the goals of the energy transition.
