Pumped storage power plant Limberg III

The Kaprun power plant group is often described as the “battery of the Alps” because of its enormous storage capacity and flexibility – and it will play an even greater role in stabilizing the grid in the future. By 2027, the Wasserfallboden Dam, also known as the Limberg Dam, will be raised by nine meters to nearly 129 meters. This will increase the usable reservoir volume by 12.7 million m³ to a total of 93.9 million m³.

High-performance technology in high-altitude construction
The works are taking place at 1,700 meters above sea level – an environment with sub-zero temperatures, wind speeds exceeding 100 km/h, and extraordinary logistical challenges. To meet these demands, VERBUND, Austria’s leading electricity company, relies on Doka’s expertise in dam construction. Thanks to 3D planning, pre-assembly and optimized logistics, concreting cycles have been significantly accelerated, achieving around 260 m³ in just three days.

The Top 50 large-area formwork enables precise shaping of the curved dam blocks, while the D22 dam formwork ensures safe load transfer. Over 700 running meters of folding platform K provide reliable and safe working conditions. For installation and assembly works at the control center, 22 tons of Ringlock modular scaffolding were set up, serving as stair towers and flexible working platforms. In parallel, Doka also supports the construction of the underground cavern for the new Limberg III power plant, which was commissioned on 12 September 2025.

Strategic significance for Europe’s energy transition
Limberg III represents a €500 million investment by VERBUND, to strengthen energy independence and supply security. Pumped-storage power plants (PSPs) act as large-scale energy storage systems: they pump water to higher reservoirs during times of excess renewable generation and release it during demand peaks, stabilizing the grid. All three Limberg power plants – Limberg I (1950s), Limberg II (2011) and the upcoming Limberg III (2027) – are independent PSP units within the Kaprun group, jointly supplied by the high-alpine reservoirs Wasserfallboden and Mooserboden.

With the additional storage capacity, the Wasserfallboden reservoir will gain around 30 GWh – equal to the annual electricity use of approximately 6,000 households. Together with the additional 480 MW, Limberg III will provide vital balancing capacity to offset fluctuations from wind and solar power.

“The Kaprun project highlights how Doka solutions contribute to the global energy transition. Here in Austria’s high-alpine environment, our technology and teams enable safe, efficient and reliable execution – even under the toughest conditions,” says Harald Zulehner, Managing Director.