Wasserkraftwerk SWA

Wasserkraftwerk SWA stands at Augsburg’s Hochablass, a concrete weir carrying water from the Lech. The plant has generated electricity there since 2013.

Two turbines hidden inside the weir use the river’s natural flow to produce renewable power. Each turbine handles up to 32 cubic metres of water per second.

Together, they reach 3,100 kilowatts and generate about 11.2 million kilowatt-hours annually. That production covers the average electricity needs of around 4,000 Augsburg households.

The plant uses water remaining after diversions to city canals and the canoe slalom course. Adjusted overflow plates preserve the Hochablass water curtain above the turbines.

From the massive concrete walkway, you may notice fine mist when sluices release larger volumes of water. That spray makes the Lech’s force visible.

Wasserkraftwerk SWA belongs to Augsburg’s wider water-management system, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site links local energy production with the city’s long water tradition.

Historic facilities at Hochablass once supplied clean drinking water for almost 130 years. Modern turbines continue that practical use of the river.