Energie AG And Hochkönig Bergbahnen Are Planning A Unique Pumped Storage Power Plant In Mühlbach/Dienten

Energie AG and Hochkönig Bergbahnen are launching a pioneering project for sustainable energy generation in the Alpine region. In Mühlbach/Dienten, a snowmaking reservoir will be used year-round as the upper reservoir for a pumped-storage power plant – the first such project in Austria.

The main advantages of the project:

• Efficient use of existing infrastructure: Reduction of necessary interventions in nature
• Storing excess energy: Optimal integration of renewable energy sources
• Grid stabilization: Flexible balancing of electricity supply and demand
• Year-round use of the snowmaking pond

“ The intelligent use of existing infrastructure is a key factor in efficiently advancing the expansion of renewable energies. The project in Mühlbach/Dienten exemplifies how cooperation can create sustainable, even unique, solutions. The collaboration with the Hochkönig Bergbahnen cable cars and the surrounding municipalities makes it possible to build a pumped-storage power plant on a snowmaking reservoir for the first time in Austria ,” says Leonhard Schitter, CEO of Energie AG. He adds that the innovative project is also a continuation of existing power plants in the area.

The Hochkönig Bergbahnen (Hochkönig Mountain Railways) also see great potential in this project: "The winter sports industry is challenged to find innovative solutions. With this project, we are demonstrating that climate protection and tourism can go hand in hand," emphasizes Angela Haslinger, Managing Director of Hochkönig Bergbahnen GmbH.

Sustainable use of existing infrastructure

The innovative pumped storage concept is based on the year-round use of the existing snowmaking reservoir of the Hochkönig Bergbahnen cable cars. The expansion of the Dachegg reservoir from its current 70,000 m³ to 180,000 m³ has already received official approval.

As part of the planned expansion of the snowmaking system, this pond will also be used as the upper reservoir for a pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant. The pipes and the reservoir, which are used for artificial snowmaking on the ski slopes in winter, can additionally be used for electricity storage during periods of high energy production. When needed, the stored energy will be fed into the power grid.

“Pumped storage power plants are the backbone of a secure and flexible energy future. With the project at Hochkönig, we are creating a model that combines technical innovation with sustainability. The existing snowmaking reservoir can serve as an energy storage facility year-round, thus contributing to balancing electricity generation and demand,” said Energie AG CTO Alexander Kirchner.

Technical data of the Mühlbach/Dienten pumped storage power plant

The planned power plant will have a capacity of just under 15 megawatts in turbine mode and 20 megawatts in pumped pump mode. The upper reservoir has a capacity of 180,000 m³, and the lower reservoir has a volume of approximately 100,000 m³. This storage capacity will allow for 8 to 10 full-load operating hours for power generation. The planned head is approximately 550 meters.

Currently, work is underway on the preliminary technical project. An agreement has been reached with Hochkönig Bergbahnen GmbH for the use of the snowmaking reservoir. The project is scheduled to be submitted by summer 2026. Following approval, groundbreaking could take place as early as 2027.

The intelligent use of existing infrastructure creates an energy- and resource-efficient overall concept that combines climate protection and tourism. This dual use represents a prime example of innovative and sustainable energy solutions and could serve as a model for other alpine regions in the future.