Jochenstein
Run-of-River Plant

VERBUND's power plant at Jochenstein is a run-of-river power plant situated on the Danube and in the municipality of Untergriesbach near Passau in Bavaria.

Jochenstein also serves as a border crossing between Upper Austria and Bavaria, and is therefore open to cyclists and pedestrians from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm. The power plant, which has a bottleneck capacity of 132 MW, is the most powerful power plant of the “border power plants” group and capable of supplying around 221,000 households with electricity generated entirely from hydropower.

New transformer successfully hoisted into place

The Jochenstein Danube power station is undergoing extensive modernisation to meet the challenges of climate change and current technical requirements. A key milestone was the safe transport of a new 62-tonne transformer, which was positioned with millimetre precision using a historic floating crane. The modernisation involves the replacement of turbines and transformers and will increase the power station’s output to 140 megawatts whilst enhancing its regulating capacity. VERBUND is investing around 61.4 million euros in this forward-looking project, which will ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply.

More about the Transport

A floating crane lifts a new transformer across the Danube, set against a backdrop of wooded hills.

Jochenstein power station bridge open again

The bridge structure, now 70 years old, had theoretically reached the end of its service life. Renovation was therefore unavoidable. Since 2023, the bridge over the Danube has been renovated in two seasons. The structure was not only renovated but also reinforced to improve it for the future. The payload was tripled from 10 to 30 tonnes. Precast concrete parts for the carriageway and cable trough were replaced by a steel supporting structure. Now that the tarmacing work has been completed, the road can be used again without any restrictions.

A view from above of the Jochenstein hydroelectric power station.

Renovation of the bridge at the VERBUND Jochenstein power plant

The Jochenstein power plant began full operation in 1956. The power plant bridge at the narrow point of the Danube had already been completed two years earlier. VERBUND is combining the overdue renovation with a strengthening: in the future, the bridge will be able to bear three times the load. The closure of the Danube crossing associated with the construction work will last until October 2024. VERBUND regrets the unfortunately necessary measure and asks for understanding.

(German only)

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Technical description

Turbines and generators: Five Kaplan turbines with vertical shaft generate a total output of 132,000 kW with the five three-phase synchronous generators in the shield design. The maximum intake capacity of all turbines is 2,050 m³/sec. Beyond this volume, water must be discharged via the weir system.

Weir system: The weir gates are designed as riveted double hook gates with electromechanical winches and gall chains. The power plant belongs to the “border power plants” group, which is noted for its geographical location on the rivers Inn and Danube, where they form the border between Austria and Bavaria.

Documentary film 1955: Ice control in the Jochenstein reservoir

The documentary film from 1955-56 shows how ice is combated in the reservoir at the VERBUND Jochenstein power plant.

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Ecology & environmental protection

A fish bypass at the Jochenstein run-of-river power plant is currently being planned.

The plant group of the border power plants was certified under ISO 14001 for the first time at the end of 2017. The power plants on the rivers Inn and Danube in the border area between Austria and Germany not only fulfil the statutory requirements but also focus on high environmental standards and technical innovations. Goals include the efficient use of hydropower and a balance between economy and ecology. The effectiveness and benefit of the environmental management system are mainly the responsibility of our employees, who undergo constant training and development in this area.

Wherever ecologically valuable and technically feasible, VERBUND has set itself the goal of guaranteeing the continuity of flow for domestic fish and aquatic life at the locations of its hydropower plants. By 2025, VERBUND will invest 280 million euros in the implementation of fish bypasses and other ecological structural measures.

The picture shows a stylistically beautiful close-up of a lush green meadow with different grasses.

Divers in action at VERBUND

Nothing works without them, because if you want to get into a turbine, you first have to seal it: the divers from our subsidiary Lestin master major underwater challenges at our power plants. Our divers are responsible for this and many other tasks. We looked over their shoulders at the Jochenstein power plant on the Danube.

(German only)

A view of the Jochenstein hydropower plant on the Danube.

Visit Jochenstein

The interactive exhibition illustrates the complex processes of energy production. Visitors have the opportunity to view the impressive Jochenstein hydroelectric power station. In addition, a comprehensive understanding of the importance of renewable energies is conveyed.

Guided tours are available through the "Haus am Strom".

Visit now

Jochenstein
Run-of-River Plant

New transformer successfully hoisted into place

Jochenstein power station bridge open again

Renovation of the bridge at the VERBUND Jochenstein power plant

Technical description

Documentary film 1955: Ice control in the Jochenstein reservoir

Ecology & environmental protection

Divers in action at VERBUND

Visit Jochenstein

Working with the
power of nature.
Together.

Hydropower

Energy sources

Take a closer look

Jochenstein Run-of-River Plant

New transformer successfully hoisted into place

Jochenstein power station bridge open again

Renovation of the bridge at the VERBUND Jochenstein power plant

Technical description

Documentary film 1955: Ice control in the Jochenstein reservoir

Ecology & environmental protection

Divers in action at VERBUND

Visit Jochenstein

Working with the power of nature.Together.

Jochenstein
Run-of-River Plant

Working with the
power of nature.
Together.