evaluation of the study visit - Mekong River Commission

MRC Study Visit to the Danube River Basin 2012
brought in line with environmental conservation. These examples focused on: biomass production
from wetland, river restoration and shipping and electricity production and fish migration.
The visit of the power plant Freudenau, which is the world‘s first big run-of-the-river power station
located in a city, highlighted on one hand the technical challenges when building the plant but also
the efforts taken to mitigate environmental impacts. The power plant was constructed applying a
„wet construction” method. Six Kaplan turbines (diameter of 7.5 m) are installed in the power house
which is located in the middle of the river between the lock and weir systems. Each turbine drives a
directly coupled three-phase generator. Ecological measures include the water supply to the New
and Old Danube, new biotopes, inlets and the ecologically designed fish bypass channel located on
the Danube island.
4.4.3 Addressed MRC Learning Points
In summary, the following MRC learning points have been discussed with WWF and Verbund:
European Water Framework Directive (EU WFD)
� The EU WFD has strengthened the role of WWF in particular due to the Common
Implementation Strategy process and the mandatory public participation request;
� The development of new hydropower plants became more difficult but are still possible.
Preparation and implementation of the Danube River Basin Management Plan
� WWF acts as an observer in the ICPDR;
� WWF played an important role in awareness raising and during the public participation.
4.5 Danube Study Visit Item 5
Meeting with the Slovakian water managers and officials
(Bratislava, Slovakia)
29 March 2012
4.5.1 Presentations and experts
Staff of the Slovak Water Management authorities presented on key national water resources
management issues as well as on environmental mitigation measures that have been taken in the
artificial part of the Danube River, where the Gabcikovo hydropower plant is located.
In this respect, the following two presentations were given:
� Introduction of Slovak Water Management – Alenka Bujnova (Slovakian Ministry of Environment
and Water Research Institute)
� Presentation on the Cunovo dam, which combines hydropower and recreation (e.g. canoeing -
water has been allocated for this purpose)
� Danube mainstream hydropower dam Gabčikovo, development, experiences – Vladimir Holcik
(Slovak National Committee of Pianc)
The presentation where completed by a field trip to the mainstream hydropower dam Gabčikovo
with several stops along the Danube covering the artificial stretch for shipping but also artificial
wetland for flood control and recreation
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