The Tauernmoos pumped-storage hydro power plant – Energy storage for the Austrian railway

In 2004, ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG started the first studies for the construction of a pumped-storage hydro power plant between the two largest reservoirs of the existing Stubach Valley power plant group in Salzburg's Pinzgau region. Two reversible pump-turbine units including a full converter with a total capacity of 170 MW and a maximum flow of 80 m3/s are planned. The construction of the 335 million. euro project started in 2020 and will be completed by autumn 2025. In addition to a 50,000 m3 cavern, an 11.5 km tunnel system including the access tunnels and the power water ways have been built. Most of the 11.5 km tunnel system is situated in stable gneiss. A greater challenge is the construction of the two inlet and outlet structures in the high mountain region during the winter season, when the lakes can be held on the lowest reservoir level. Since the remaining construction work is also carried out at an altitude of 1500 to 2250 m above sea level in alpine terrain, the construction company has been facing recurring problems such as snow, cold, wind, mudslides and the associated logistical difficulties. Despite these challenges, the excavation work was completed in summer 2022. The main focus is currently placed on the concrete works in the cavern, which is scheduled to be completed in autumn 2023. This will be followed by the installation of mechanical and electrical equipment as well as the control systems. © 2022, Ernst und Sohn. All rights reserved.