Stadtwerke Köflach GmbH, a prominent municipal utility in the West Styria region of Austria, partnered with CyberGrid to unlock the full potential of Edelschrott hydropower plant's energy flexibility capabilities. The plant is technically equipped and connected at a 20 kV medium-voltage level. It has been prequalified for participation in balancing markets, enabling it to generate new revenue streams, support grid stability, and contribute to a sustainable regional development and the energy transition.
Built in 1910 and modernized in 1994, the Edelschrott hydropower plant is a cornerstone of Stadwerke Köflach's renewable energy portfolio. The plant delivers 1,300 kW of installed capacity and generates up to 4,000 MWh annually. A supplemental low-head turbine contributes an additional 80,000 kWh per year, enhancing the plant's overall output and efficiency.
CyberGrid's team facilitated the technical integration and testing of Edelschrott, including signal exchange protocols and remote control capabilities via Profibus and Modbus interfaces. This collaboration has empowered Stadtwerke Köflach to monetize the hydropower plant's flexibility, transforming a traditional generation asset into an active participant in modern and dynamic energy markets.
"We chose CyberGrid because of their strong expertise in integrating flexible energy assets into balancing markets. Their proven track record, technical competence, and tailored "Flexibility as a Service" offering made them a reliable partner for unlocking the potential of our hydroelectric plant. Early results are promising, and we see this project as a pioneering step for regional utilities", Ing. Michael Stolz, MSc. CEO.
About Stadtwerke Köflach
Stadtwerke Köflach GmbH, founded in 1908, stands as a prominent municipal utility and modern service provider in the West Styria region of Austria. Over more than a century, it has developed into an integrated provider of essential services—encompassing electricity, water, building technology, IT, fiber‑energy, public mobility, and even municipal funeral services—serving both the urban area of Köflach and surrounding communities.
The utility has built a robust and diversified renewable energy portfolio, including hydropower and solar power assets strategically deployed across its municipal service area. These assets are integral to both the company’s operational strategy and the broader regional sustainability agenda.
Aside from the Edelschrott plant, Stadtwerke Köflach also manages other hydropower plants and photovoltaic systems, including the following ones:
- Sallabach Hydropower Station: Developed in partnership with ÖCC, this small hydro station produces approximately 7.7 GWh annually.
- Drinking water power plant Maria Lankowitz: Commissioned in 2015, this drinking water power plant supplies 100% green electricity to around 300 households. A 15.6 kWp PV system on the facade generates 15,000 kWh, covering a third of the electricity demand of the water supply systems of Stadtwerke Köflach.
- Ökopark Lorder in Maria Lankowitz: Built in 2013 with the Berger-Weber family, this eco-park includes a 2,000 kWp photovoltaic system and a 165 kW small hydropower plant.
- PV System in the new middle school in Köfkach: Installed in 2013, this rooftop solar array delivers 65 kWp of clean energy.
