Rodundwerk, Pumped-storage power station in Vandans, Austria
Rodundwerk is a pumped-storage power station in Vorarlberg that moves water between the Latschau reservoir and the facility location to generate electricity. Four Francis spiral turbines use a height difference of 354 meters and process 15 cubic meters of water per second each.
The facility began operating in 1943 with two generating units and was later expanded with additional machines and storage pumps. These expansions reflected growing regional energy demands after the war.
The engineering facility represents a milestone in Austrian industrial development, contributing to regional energy independence and technical education initiatives.
The location sits in a mountainous area with access from the village of Vandans, where infrastructure is integrated into the valley landscape. Visitors should note that the facility is embedded in a natural setting, so proper footwear and caution are recommended.
When installed, the storage pump represented a major technical achievement of its era and marked an important breakthrough in hydroelectric engineering. The system was notable for its height difference and demonstrated how innovative solutions could harness energy in challenging mountain terrain.
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