Hydropower is one of the most efficient and sustainable methods of generating electricity. It uses the kinetic energy of flowing water to drive turbines that generate electrical energy. In Europe, and especially in Austria, hydropower is a mainstay of the energy system. Around 60% of the electricity generated in Austria comes from hydropower plants, making the country one of the leading users of hydropower in Europe.

Austria has a large number of rivers that are ideally suited for the use of hydropower due to their differences in height and flow rates. The best-known rivers include the Danube, the Inn and the Salzach. These natural conditions enable the operation of run-of-river power plants, storage power plants and pumped storage power plants, which provide a flexible and reliable source of energy.

Run-of-riverpower plants are the most common form of hydropower plant and utilize the natural flow velocity of rivers. These plants generate electricity continuously as long as water is flowing. In contrast, storage power plants are designed to store water in reservoirs to provide electricity quickly when needed, especially during periods of high demand or low renewable generation. Pumped storage power plants are particularly interesting as they use surplus energy from the grid to pump water to higher elevations and thus store energy for times of higher demand.

A key advantage of hydropower is its ability to act as a control and backup power source. As hydropower plants are able to quickly increase or reduce their output, they can react optimally to the fluctuating feed-in of other renewable energies such as wind and solar energy. This flexibility is particularly important for the stability of the European electricity grid, which is increasingly dependent on renewable energies.

In addition to generating energy, hydropower also has a positive impact on the environment, provided it is operated sustainably. The use of hydropower reduces dependence on fossil fuels and significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, the environmental impact of hydropower projects should not be neglected. The construction of dams can result in significant changes to the habitat of aquatic ecosystems, which requires careful planning and environmental impact assessments.

In recent years, Austria has also increasingly focused on the rehabilitation and modernization of existing hydropower plants in order to increase their efficiency and minimize their ecological impact. The use of new technologies and better fish migration aids can increase fish passability, which contributes to the preservation of biodiversity.

Hydropower also has the potential to play a significant role in the future energy transition. With the goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2040, investments in the expansion and modernization of hydropower plants in Austria and throughout Europe are essential. This will not only contribute to achieving the climate targets, but will also increase security of supply.

In summary, hydropower is one of the most sustainable and reliable energy sources that will enable Austria to achieve its climate targets while ensuring a stable energy supply. Through innovative approaches and sustainable practices, hydropower can continue to play a central role in the European energy market in the future.