Reservoir Axpo resumes renovation of the Gigerwald dam
After a two-year break, Axpo and Kraftwerk Sarganserland AG are resuming the renovation work around the Gigerwald dam. They were interrupted in September 2022 due to the feared power shortage. Among other things, the reservoir must be completely drained.
25.06.2024, 11:07
SDA
According to a press release issued by Axpo on Tuesday, the renovation is necessary due to progressive silting. It has already reached the level of the bottom outlet inlet. This will now be moved upwards. Without measures, operations could be restricted in the near future.
Because the Gigerwald reservoir has to be completely emptied for the renovation work at the end of September, the Mapragg hydropower plant is temporarily out of operation. The work will last until April 2025 and will cost around 25 million francs.
The renovation was halted in September 2022 in order to ensure continued electricity production given the tight supply situation at the time. According to the press release, this would have allowed up to 160 GWh of winter electricity to be produced from the existing water in the reservoir and from circulation operations.
