PipeLine

h PipeLine | Compendium 2009 | Page 06The first phase, from the intake works Penz inAichdorf to the Pöls Bridge, was initiated October1 st 2008 and will be completed in March andon schedule. Between March and June 2009and for the second construction phase, pipeswill be laid from a railway bridge to the powerhouse. The third phase is planned to run fromJune to September 2009, when the lines shallfinally meet between the railway bridge and thePöls Bridge.The two planned Kaplan spiral turbines have anaverage output of 12.9 million kWh p.a., whichcorresponds to the electricity needs of 6,000families of four. Because the VAEE itself currentlyneeds 8 million kWh, the excess can bedelivered to the public network once the plantis completed.Not only does the power plant bring relief interms of costs, also the production process ofVAEE can be optimized. Since the method toheat the rails with gas in order to shape themproved to be dissatisfactory, they will in futurebe heated by induction (with electricity), whichwill assure 100% process safety.This independent power supply not only ensuresthe long term continuance of the factoryin Zeltweg but it also contributes to a positiveCO 2 balance of the company. The powerplant is moreover built according to strictenvironmental regulations. For instance, aresidual of 1,500 l water per second and upto 2,900 during the cold months is ensuredand lies well above the requirements. Withthis, the plant has the largest amount ofresidual water in Styria – which works wellfor the benefit of the environment and fishpopulation.Fmd: hobas.austria@hobas.com