Vienna is increasingly relying on its own water infrastructure for the energy transition. At the Hungerberg water reservoir in Döbling, Wiener Wasser is putting the 17th drinking water power plant of the city into operation in June 2026. The new plant is expected to generate climate-friendly electricity for around 700 households.
The gradient makes electricity generation possible
The special feature: it uses the energy of Vienna's spring water, which flows from the Alps into the federal capital. The natural differences in altitude along the pipelines make electricity production possible.
"Vienna is driving the energy transition forward in order to become climate-neutral by 2040. To this end, we are using every renewable energy source, including Vienna's spring water," emphasizes Climate City Councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky (SPÖ). "The spring water flows by gravity from the Alps into our city. Along this route, there are differences in altitude that are used to generate climate-friendly electricity," says Czernohorszky.
The new plant in Döbling consists of four pumps that are used as turbines. The generated electricity is fed directly into the grid. At the same time, supply security is guaranteed: if necessary, the plant can also be used as a pumping station, for example during work on the spring water pipelines.
Already today, the 17 Vienna drinking water power plants generate so much green electricity that it could cover the entire electricity demand of a city the size of Wiener Neustadt. Further projects are already being planned, including at the Rosenhügel water reservoir.
A prime example of intelligent resource use
The NEOS also see the project as a model for sustainable energy generation. "700 households supplied with green electricity – from an infrastructure that already exists. The 17th drinking water power plant is a prime example of how we can use existing resources intelligently. Expanding renewable energy and making maximum use of existing infrastructure – that is intelligent, forward-looking energy policy," says NEOS energy spokesperson Stefan Gara.
In addition to hydropower, Wiener Wasser is also increasingly relying on photovoltaics. Solar systems have already been installed on several water reservoirs, including what was once Vienna's largest photovoltaic system in Unterlaa. After new locations in Moosbrunn and on the Buchberg, another system is to be built at the Schafberg water reservoir in Hernals by the end of 2026.
"The drinking water infrastructure in our district is being continuously renovated and expanded. This ensures the long-term supply for the people of Döbling," says Döbling's district head Daniel Resch (ÖVP).
