Environment SBB invests 5 million in Rupperswil-Auenstein power station on the River Aare
In August, SBB will start construction work on environmental measures at the Rupperswil-Auenstein power station on the River Aare. The Aargau power plant supplies around ten percent of Switzerland's traction current, as SBB announced on Wednesday. Around five million Swiss francs will be invested by 2026.
07.08.2024, 11:53
SDA
The centerpiece will be a 770-meter-long, near-natural alluvial stream that connects the existing bypass with a branch of the Aare. A culvert will cross under the cantonal road that connects Rupperswil and Auenstein via the Aare.
In addition, a wildlife entrance, fish resting pens and structuring measures would be built in the watercourse, creating a valuable new habitat. This is part of the concession, which runs from 2018 to 2075 and obliges SBB to implement various environmental measures.
SBB has been drawing electricity from the run-of-river power plant since the 1940s. Since a conversion in 2021, 100 percent traction current has been produced. During the construction work, which is due to be completed in 2026, there will be temporary closures and traffic detour.
