All in all there are about 2.100 Small Hydropower Plants (KWKW) in Austria. With the help of these power stations, which have a power output of up to 10 MW, about 4 TWh of electricity are produced. Thus eight percent of the overall Austrian electric power consumption is covered. In order to be able to influence the developments at European level the ÖVFK is a member of the European Small Hydropower Association and since 2003 also of the European Renewable Energies Federation (EREF), both of which have their seats in Bruxelles.
Through the Green Electricity Act, in force since 1.1.2003, a general framework for power generation from renewable energy sources was set. The ÖVFK generally approves of the new supply regulations, is however pleading for amendments in some points: regarding the adjustment of tariffs and production costs, fixed tariffs for KWKWs still after 31.12.2005 or the abolition of the restrictions concerning the amount of subsidy.
The amendment of the Water Rights Act from 21.12.2003 proves that additional measures concerning scrap water, fish ascent, backwater area and bank design are necessary. The representatives of the Small Hydropower Plants fear that the utilisation of hydropower will be constrained and the means of existence of small power stations might be endangered and climate protection objectives could not be achieved respectively.
The ÖVFK offers its members numerous services like lobbying, information and consultancy in technical, economical and legal concerns, inspection of plants, implementation of conveyance instruments, representation of interests concerning sales return tariffs and regular conferences.
Contact & Information:
Österreichischer Verein zur Förderung
von Kleinkraftwerken (ÖVFK)
(Austrian Society for the Promotion
of Small Hydropower Plants)
Museumsstraße 5
A-1070 Wien
Tel.: +43-1-5220766
