Description of our work emphasis

In 1991 our main work started, focussing on the new federal states of Germany. The situation there, is characterised by the existence of many disused weirs and remains of former hydro power plants. Due to this situation, most cases require a complete planning based upon a full examination of the actual state. This usually results in the need for renovation in accordance with modern standards:

• water management (minimisation of the impact on third parties, flood protection, residual water quantity , operating reliability, …)
• ecology (integration into the landscape, renaturation, Renaturierung, ecological hydraulic engineering, conservation of existing ecosystems, …)
• structural engineering (stability of water constructions in extreme conditions, bank reinforcements, …)
• economy (utilisation of existing structures, efficient use of the water supply, reliable machine units, long-term solutions, …)

  Dealing with such complex systems a full evaluation must be carried out in the preliminary stages, examining all possible consequences. Persons, possibly concerned by these consequences take part in this preliminary investigations.

  In many cases the owners of a hydro power plant does not know, how they can accomplish their venture. The first step is to research the important legal, engineering, economical and financial backgrounds and possibilities. Thus the operator or owner of the plant can answer the question of economical feasibility. The report written from the research is important for submission to banks or public authorities. This consultation normally receives government aided up to 60% of the total cost.

  The report results in an optimized project idea, which includes a technical description as well as the important business management data, effectiveness calculations, cost-benefit-analyse and a balance sheet. The result can also indicate the current market value of a disused or an operating power station.

  If the report gives a positive feedback about the potential site then there are some more matters to be resolved, (for example water rights, building lease rights, financing, grants and low interest loans, network supply). In all the above-mentioned matters we can certainly help you. Only if these matters have been resolved, the final decision whether the construction goes ahead or not will be made by the operator or owner.

  Usually the securing or new application of the water law, at the beginning of the process, is the most complicated problem. After the clarification we deal with all necessary work (by request). This includes assisting in obtaining financial support, basic evaluation, preliminary planning, negotiations with authorities, residents and other persons concerned, planning permission, execution planning, tendering and placing.

  In the realisation of the project we work alternatively as a pure planning office (achievement phases according to HOAI) or as a main contractor. With the authorisation as the main contractor the client has the advantage of having a company that is totally liable for the complete power station. Furthermore the price is fixed at a relatively early stage and is binding.

  With every job we offer all services for a fixed price. As well as the normal planning work we can cover the supervision and organisation of the complete construction. This can be very important when there are a large number of contractors involved.

  In recent years we have gained experience in a number of fields, for example in the reconstruction of hydroelectric power stations, the refurbishment of existing structures, the installation of different turbine types and their refurbishment. We have also gained experience in the building of water wheels and special solutions (for example water power screws).

  The spectrum of our projects so far stretches from installed power of 1 kW to 15.000 kW realising Effective head at meanflows from 1.4 m to 400 m in design discharges of 80 l/s to 130 m³/s.

  The projects contain both old plants with installation of new machine equipment (vertical Kaplan, tube, Fancis, Pelton and cross-flow turbines, water wheels and water power screws) and complete new power plant erections . Especially in Germany we deal a lot with the renovating of existing old hydroelectric power stations.