A forward-looking infrastructure project
The integrated water management project in the Schlandraun Valley represents a forward-looking infrastructure initiative by the municipality of Schlanders, combining energy production, drinking water supply, and agricultural irrigation within a single, unified system. The aim is to reorganize historically developed water use and ensure it remains secure, efficient, and sustainable in the long term.
At the core of the project is a cascading use of the Schlandraun stream’s water resources, featuring multiple water intakes, distribution structures, and a total of seven newly constructed power plants. A central distribution structure at an altitude of around 1,400 meters controls the water flow according to demand, with agricultural irrigation always given priority.
A key role in the technical implementation is played by the pipeline systems supplied by Tiroler Rohre GmbH (TRM).
Several kilometers of ductile iron pipes in various nominal diameters were installed for pressure, drinking water, and irrigation pipelines. Approximately 2.5 km of DN400 ductile iron pipes were laid underground for the new irrigation power plant, 2.8 km of DN600 pipes for the new hydropower plants, and 4.0 km of DN200 pipes for the new drinking water power plants. Thanks to their high mechanical strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and special internal linings, TRM ductile iron pipes are ideally suited for use in demanding alpine terrain.
They ensure reliable long-term water conveyance, minimize maintenance requirements, and make a significant contribution to the operational safety and economic efficiency of the entire system. With an investment volume of around €19 million and an annual electricity production of approximately 19 million kilowatt-hours, the Schlandraun Valley project is considered a flagship example of sustainable water and energy use, as well as an impressive reference for high-performance pipeline systems from TRM.
Images: © zek | Patscheider & Partner
Safe water supply.
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