Hydroelectric power station Iffezheim

In January 2019, we had the opportunity to visit the Iffezheim hydropower plant on the Rhine. Since the fifth Kaplan turbine was commissioned in 2013, it is the largest run-of-river power plant in Germany and feeds a total of around 148 megawatts of power into the electricity grid.

During our visit, we were first given an insight into the current electricity supply throughout Germany and the problems and solutions that arise. This was followed by an introduction to the general functioning of a run-of-river power plant and an insight into the construction process of the latest machine, which was particularly exciting for all civil engineers.

After this interesting introduction, we went outside, where we were able to explore the run-of-river power plant on the Rhine from all sides. In the engine room, where we stood right next to, above and below the turbine, we were surprised by the noise that water can actually make. Even though we were understandably unable to take a look inside the machine - after all, many cubic meters of water flow through there every second - we were able to get a good idea of what goes on inside thanks to the detailed descriptions.

Almost on our way back, we passed the trash rack cleaning system and made a detour to the fish pass, which is located to the side of the actual core of the power plant. This allows fish of all species and sizes found in the Rhine to migrate past the turbines from the tailwater to the headwater.

It was definitely a worthwhile excursion and we are very grateful for the successful tour.