Austrian Power Grid modernizes Weißenbach substation

The Weißenbach substation (District of Liezen) of Austrian Power Grid (APG) has been in operation since 1958 and is now being made fit for the future to ensure a reliable supply of electricity for future generations in the region and to make renewable energy manageable throughout Austria. As part of the general overhaul, complex work will be carried out over the next few years, including both structural and electrical engineering measures on the existing APG site. The work started at the beginning of May and will continue until 2029, including the following measures:

• Renewal of nine 220 kV switchgear panels
• Two new 220/110 kV transformers
• Installation of a transformer fire extinguishing system
• Construction of a warehouse

In total, APG is investing around 45 million euros in the modernization of the Weißenbach substation, which will result in a sustainably secure power supply for the region and strengthen the location.

Challenges due to the special location

The special location of the substation on a slope, the cramped conditions of the construction site itself, as well as the narrow access and exit routes to and from the construction site require a well-thought-out logistics concept for various transports through the town.

To guarantee a smooth work process, we collaborated closely with all parties involved, explains Bernhard Joksch, project manager at APG: "A strategy was developed in cooperation with the partner companies carrying out the work, the APG project managers and the municipality of Liezen to organize the construction site traffic as simply and smoothly as possible." In the course of the construction work, there will be two-way traffic with trucks along the access road to the substation (Schalenweg) for short periods. In the case of large deliveries, such as a transformer transport, residents will be informed in good time via signs at the relevant points along the access road to enable a smooth traffic flow with as little inconvenience as possible for all parties concerned. 

Important for the secure energy transition in the Enns Valley

The Weißenbach substation is a central feed-in point for the regional distribution system operator and, above all, a connection point for the 220 kV Enns Valley line (Ennstal line), which runs from the Weißenbach substation near Liezen (Styria) to Wagrain (Salzburg) and is also undergoing a general overhaul. The modernization of the Enns Valley line is scheduled for mid-2026 to spring 2028.

As an important east-west connection in the Austrian electricity grid, it facilitates the transport of surplus renewable energy (including wind & PV) from the east of the country to the pumped storage power plants in central and western Austria. The electricity generated from renewable energy can thus be used throughout Austria. The Enns Valley line is therefore central to the success of the energy transition and the secure supply of electricity for the economy, society, and tourism in the region.

About Austrian Power Grid (APG)

As independent transmission system operator, Austrian Power Grid (APG) is in charge of ensuring the security of the electricity supply in Austria. With our high-performance and digital electricity infrastructure and the use of state-of-the-art technologies we integrate renewable energies and reduce the dependency on electricity imports, we are the platform for the electricity market, and we provide access to reasonably priced electricity and thus create the basis for Austria as supply-secure and future-oriented industrial and business location and place to live. The APG grid totals a length of about 3,500 km and is operated, maintained, and continuously adapted to the increasing challenges of the electrification of businesses, industry, and society by a team of approximately 1,000 specialists. 67 substations are distributed all over Austria, and the majority is operated remotely. Thanks to our committed employees, Austria had a security of supply of 99.99 percent also in 2024 and thus ranks among the top countries worldwide. Our investments of 630 million euros in 2025 (2024: 440 million euros, 2023: 490 million euros) are a motor for the Austrian economy and a crucial factor for achieving Austria's energy targets. APG will invest a total of around 9 billion euros in grid expansion and modernization measures by 2034.