Kaunertal power station - the new shafts in the fall to the powerhouse / Kraftwerk Kaunertal - die Schächte des neuen Kraftabstiegs

The Tiwag - Tiroler Wasserkraft AG - is replacing the entire fall to the powerhouse at the Kaunertal power station, which has been in operation for about 50 years, in 2012 to 2015. The new facilities are being constructed entirely underground in unusually difficult geology for high-pressure systems. Works to construct the 4,000 m of tunnels and shafts started in March 2012 and were completed by the middle of June 2013. Part of the construction work is based on the proven NATM and part is based on the modern technology of mechanised tunnelling. After the completion of the caverns, the core of the new system, the 1,430 m long penstock, will be lined with thick-walled steel armouring and backfilled with concrete.