Europe is preparing an electrical mega-construction in the Alps, more than 2,000 meters above sea level, with the creation of a new artificial lake intended to store energy. The project will reinforce one of Austria’s largest hydroelectric systems and could play an important role in the continent’s energy transition.
According to the Spanish portal, the work is located in Tyrol, Austria, next to the Sellrain-Silz hydroelectric complex, considered one of the main infrastructures of this type in the Alps.
The system includes the Finstertal reservoir, situated at an altitude of more than 2,300 meters near Kühtai and managed by the Tyrolean state company TIWAG.
One of the largest hydroelectric systems in Austria
The Finstertal reservoir is the main storage deposit of the Sellrain-Silz complex.
It has a usable capacity of around 60 million cubic meters of water.
The hydroelectric system currently has an installed power of 781 megawatts.
New artificial lake in the Alps
The expansion now planned includes the creation of a new artificial lake at an altitude of 2,140 meters.
This new reservoir is expected to have around 60 hectares of surface and capacity to store approximately 31 million cubic meters of water.
The objective is to increase pumped energy storage capacity, a technology seen as essential to supporting the growth of renewable energy.
How this “hydraulic battery” works
In practice, the system will work like a large water battery.
When there is a surplus of electricity, this energy will be used to pump water from the new Kühtai reservoir to the Finstertal reservoir.
When demand for electricity increases, the stored water can flow back down through the Kühtai 2 pumping-turbine plant, generating energy.
Investment of R$1,300 million
TIWAG is expected to invest around 1,300 million euros in this expansion.
The project aims to strengthen Austria’s capacity to store electricity and supply it at times when the grid needs it most.
This capability is particularly important in a context where solar and wind production can vary depending on wind, sun and time of day.
Support for the energy transition
The expansion of the Sellrain-Silz complex should help Europe integrate more renewable sources into the electricity system.
By storing energy when there is a surplus and releasing it when there is greater demand, this type of infrastructure reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
The project also reinforces Austria’s role as an energy reserve in the center of Europe.
Energy stored at altitude
The high mountain location makes it possible to take advantage of the difference in altitude between reservoirs to efficiently produce electricity.
This pumped storage model is one of the most used solutions for storing energy on a large scale.
With the new artificial lake, the Austrian complex should gain even more importance in balancing the European electricity grid.
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