A view from above of a mountain river. On the right-hand side, we see boulders, and on the left-hand side, the forest begins.

Hydropower for a green future

power.verbund.com
Hydropower
Sustainability

Hydropower plays a crucial role in the generation of sustainable energy. It is not only a vital renewable energy source but also a key element in global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and combat climate change.

What makes hydropower sustainable?

Hydropower is sustainable because it uses the natural flow of water to generate electricity without burning fossil fuels. State-of-the-art technologies minimise the environmental footprint while ensuring efficient electricity generation.

Significance and benefits for the environment and climate

With its ability to generate virtually emission-free electricity, hydropower contributes significantly to environmental protection. It helps reduce carbon emissions and provides a reliable energy source that is not dependent on weather conditions, making it an important tool in the fight against climate change.

Further benefits of hydropower

A wild mountain stream winds its way down a very rocky slope. The light filters through the trees and is reflected in the bubbling water.

Answers to frequently asked questions on sustainability and hydropower

Here, we have summarised the answers to the most frequently asked questions on the sustainability of hydropower.

How does hydropower help to reduce CO2?

Hydropower generates energy without fossil fuels, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions.

More about hydropower

Why is hydropower a sustainable energy source?

It uses the renewable power of water while minimising its environmental impact.

Run-of-river power plants Storage power plants and pumped storage power plants

What measures is VERBUND taking to promote biodiversity?

Biodiversity is protected and promoted through projects involving ecological restoration and the use of fish passes.

More information on environmental responsibility Renaturalisation projects

CO2 reduction and a smaller ecological footprint

Hydropower is one of the cleanest forms of energy generation because it causes almost no direct CO2 emissions. Compared to fossil fuels, hydropower significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and thus contributes to more sustainable energy consumption. The efficient use of natural water resources also minimises the ecological footprint.

How can aquatic ecosystems be protected?

Modern hydropower plants are designed to protect natural habitats in rivers and lakes. Technological advancements, such as fish ladders and environmentally friendly turbines, help to minimise the impact on aquatic ecosystems and maintain biodiversity. This ensures that electricity generation is both sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Renaturalisation and fish passes

VERBUND is actively engaged in the ecological restoration of river landscapes to protect natural aquatic ecosystems. Modern fish passes enable fish to move safely between habitats, thereby promoting biodiversity in our rivers.

Renaturalisation projects

Projects to promote biodiversity

In collaboration with environmental organisations, VERBUND initiates projects that promote biodiversity. This includes creating new habitats and preserving existing ecosystems in order to maintain the environmental balance.

Biodiversity at VERBUND More about environmental protection

A sunny day and we see a riverbed with lush green riverbanks. The river finds its way through nature. A village can be seen on a hill in the background.

Digitalisation to boost efficiency

VERBUND uses digital technologies to optimise the performance of its hydropower plants. Sensors and intelligent control systems enable the precise monitoring and adjustment of operational processes, leading to improved resource utilisation and greater efficiency.

The video of the Rabenstein digital power plant shows the opportunities opened up by digital technologies in the power plant sector.

VERBUND’s Rabenstein power plant

Use of modern turbines

VERBUND uses a variety of state-of-the-art turbine types, mainly Kaplan, Francis and Pelton turbines. These turbines have been designed to be both efficient and environmentally friendly. They enable electricity generation from various water sources and drop heights, thus contributing to sustainable energy generation.

More about turbines

A turbine is lifted into the Ybbs-Persenbeug power station. An employee monitors the work wearing a safety helmet.

Sustainable energy from hydropower for your home

Choose renewable energy from sustainable hydropower and reduce your carbon footprint. Hydropower is a climate-friendly resource that offers environmental benefits along with reliability and stability for your household. Actively help to protect the climate and use environmentally friendly energy for a future worth living in.

Find out more Hydroelectricity

A mountain stream makes its way down into the depths. The sun is shining and the sky is blue.

Hydropower for a green future

What makes hydropower sustainable?

Significance and benefits for the environment and climate

Answers to frequently asked questions on sustainability and hydropower

How does hydropower help to reduce CO2?

Why is hydropower a sustainable energy source?

What measures is VERBUND taking to promote biodiversity?

CO2 reduction and a smaller ecological footprint

How can aquatic ecosystems be protected?

Renaturalisation and fish passes

Projects to promote biodiversity

Digitalisation to boost efficiency

Use of modern turbines

Sustainable energy from hydropower for your home

Working with the
power of nature.
Together.

Hydropower

Energy sources

Take a closer look

Hydropower for a green future

What makes hydropower sustainable?

Significance and benefits for the environment and climate

Answers to frequently asked questions on sustainability and hydropower

How does hydropower help to reduce CO2?

Why is hydropower a sustainable energy source?

What measures is VERBUND taking to promote biodiversity?

CO2 reduction and a smaller ecological footprint

How can aquatic ecosystems be protected?

Renaturalisation and fish passes

Projects to promote biodiversity

Digitalisation to boost efficiency

Use of modern turbines

Sustainable energy from hydropower for your home

Working with the power of nature.Together.

Working with the
power of nature.
Together.