Austria has officially inaugurated the Limberg III pumped storage power plant. This is a significant and historic step toward the country’s energy infrastructure. This world-class facility is situated in Kaprun, Austria. Its four new turbines increase the capacity of the existing Kaprun power group by an extraordinary 480 megawatts (MW). Over the last four years, engineers and construction crews have poured concrete and banged away. They have positioned Limberg III to take advantage of the growing need for flexible energy storage and generation.
The new power plant increases the turbine capacity by an eye-popping 53% – raising it to a total of 1,382 MW. Moreover, the pump capacity has a 75% increase, reaching now 1,120 MW. Limberg III draws on the current reservoirs of Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden. This comprehensive strategy promises more environmentally friendly, efficient operation without the need for extensive new surface storage. This strategic choice enhances the facility’s role in providing flexible energy solutions to strengthen Austria’s grid stability and security of supply.
Investment and Construction
VERBUND, Austria’s largest electricity supplier, has invested about €572 million to build Limberg III. The project includes 30 kilometers of tunneling, 20 caverns and a 558-meter pressure shaft with the machine cavern located 450 meters below ground. The complete rotor of Limberg III was put together underground over the course of one full year. It has a unique 80,000 stacked sheets to boast of. When a 355-tonne rotor was lifted into place in May 2025, it represented a defining moment in the project’s eventual completion.
Ernst Zeller, Head of Hydro at AFRY, said they were proud that the whole project functioned with such dedication and energy.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and precision throughout this project, from the first geological surveys to the final inspections. Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in delivering such a complex and forward-looking facility. I also want to sincerely thank our client, VERBUND Hydro Power GmbH, for the trust they placed in AFRY.” – Ernst Zeller, Head of Hydro at AFRY
Role in Energy Transformation
Limberg III forms the backbone of the Austrian government’s strategy for energy transformation. By delivering the most efficient flexibility possible it enables national grid stability to ensure security of supply. The facility will be the key component of Austria’s emerging “Green Battery.” As the world moves forward to renewables, it has to play a big role.
According to a VERBUND spokesperson, the new plant represents the future.
“Limberg III makes a decisive contribution to maintaining the country’s grid stability and security of supply by providing highly efficient flexibility. The expansion of the ‘Green Battery’ in the heart of Austria is an important building block for the successful energy transformation.” – VERBUND
Future Implications
Limberg III features advanced technologies that address more current energy needs. It further cements Austria’s position as a pioneer and model for renewable energy solutions. The new facility will enhance the integration of renewable generation into the grid. It will provide the stability that will be needed when energy supply and demand inevitably fluctuate.