02 February 2010
Verbund-Austrian Hydro Power AG, a subsidiary of Verbund AG, is expanding its hydropower complex near Kaprun in the Austrian Alps. Company authorities recently announced plans for the construction of the Limberg III pumped-storage power station. The 480MW project will be constructed between the Moserboden and Wasserfallboden storage lakes and will be located near the Limberg II pumped-storage power station, which is currently under construction. Limberg III will have the same characteristics as Limberg II and will be constructed only 100m deeper in the mountains, with subterraneous pressure tunnels and a powerhouse. The cavern will be equipped with two 240MW reversible pumped turbines, and both projects will use identical components. Recently, the company submitted the documents for the environmental impact studies and expects to receive the permits by the end of the year to start the bidding process in 2011. Construction is planned to begin in 2012, and completion is scheduled for 2017. Verbund will invest EUR 365 million in the new power station, the same amount as Limberg II. Precondition for the Limberg III project is the construction of a 380kV connection, which must be provided by the municipality.