KÜHTAI MEGAPROJECT: A MILESTONE FOR AUSTRIA, A SUCCESS STORY FOR ASCENDUM.
Monday, December 2, 2024
Kühtai 2 is a hydroelectric power plant that is being constructed in the Kühtai valley in Austria, set to transform the nation’s energy landscape. Once complete in 2026, it will supply over 200 million kwh of renewable energy to the Austrian grid. At the heart of this monumental effort are Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) machines provided and supported by Ascendum Austria.
A High-Altitude Megaproject
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Tyrolean Stubai Alps, at 2,000 meters, Kühtai 2 is a €1 billion initiative led by Austrian utility company TIWAG. This ambitious expansion of the Sellrain-Silz power plant series includes a third reservoir and a state-of-the-art pumped storage facility built underground in a rock cavern. Once operational, the plant will generate an impressive 216 million kWh of clean energy annually, powering thousands of homes and supporting Austria’s energy transition. As TIWAG proudly states, “This is not just our project—it’s a project for everyone.”
Leading this massive undertaking is a consortium of three companies—Swietelsky, Jäger Bau, and Bodner—with Swietelsky taking the technical lead. Project Manager Peter Wetzlinger, overseeing the construction, explains:
“A project like this doesn’t come around every day. It’s not just about building something extraordinary—it’s about the people behind it and the lasting impact it will have.”
With 620 professionals from over 10 countries working together, Kühtai 2 is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.
Mighty Machines for Demanding Work
The Kühtai 2 construction site is a bustling hub of activity, powered by 200 machines, including over 60 Volvo units provided by Ascendum Austria, with 15 more on the way. These machines are essential in moving massive volumes of material through rugged terrain with precision and reliability.
The fleet includes 26 Volvo articulated haulers, ranging from the A25 to the A60, designed for tough alpine conditions. These machines handle everything from underground blasting to earthworks, ensuring efficient transport and operations. Weekly, they move 25 tons of bentonite, a core material essential to construction progress.
WATCH THE VIDEO WITH THE VOLVO FLEET IN ACTION
At the forefront is the Volvo EC950F, a 90-tonne excavator and the largest of its kind in Austria. Assembled directly on-site, this powerhouse has exceeded expectations by consuming just 50–55 liters of diesel daily, even in the demanding high-altitude environment.
“We didn’t believe it at first and thought the machine would consume more, but Ascendum’s predictions proved absolutely correct,” says Project Manager Peter Wetzlinger. Soon, a second EC950F will join the project, further reinforcing its pivotal role.
WATCH THE VIDEO WITH THE VOLVO EC950F ASSEMBLY
Top Service for a Top Project
Ascendum’s contributions extend beyond equipment. With its Uptime Center, Ascendum Austria monitors machine performance, maximizing uptime and maintaining the efficiency demanded by this challenging project.
“Reliability and value for money are key,” explains Wetzlinger. “With specialized machines on-site, quick support is crucial. Ascendum’s extensive network ensures experts and spare parts are always available.”
This proactive, technology-driven approach ensures that the fleet operates at peak performance, keeping Kühtai 2 on track despite the extreme conditions.
Setting a Success Story
As one of Europe’s most ambitious construction efforts, this project marks a significant milestone for Ascendum Austria, highlighting our capability to deliver large-scale, transformative initiatives. To showcase the scale and importance of Kühtai 2, Ascendum Austria, in collaboration with Volvo Construction Equipment, coordinated a comprehensive shooting and visual production effort, capturing the project's innovation, scale, and impact and thus ensuring the story of Kühtai 2 reached its full potential.