Wedoany.com Report-Nov 28,  The historic powerhouse of the Inn power plant in Töging, operated by VERBUND Innkraftwerke GmbH, is being repurposed after nearly a century of service. With the commissioning of a new hydropower plant in 2022, the original powerhouse, a listed building, is no longer required for electricity generation. However, rather than leaving it idle, the facility is being transformed into the Bavarian Hydropower Competence Centre, a modern office space that will accommodate around 150 employees across both technical and administrative departments.

This project marks a significant step in revitalizing the site, with a focus on updating the old powerhouse to serve as a central hub for operations. In addition to the redevelopment of the historic building, a new workshop will be built on the opposite bank of the tailrace. Once completed, this new structure will consolidate all administrative and operational functions under one roof, streamlining the workflow for the site.

In April, VERBUND took the first steps in the redevelopment by submitting preparatory plans to the Altötting district office. The project is expected to begin in earnest by summer 2024, pending the necessary approvals. Initial work will focus on securing the integrity of the historic powerhouse, including sealing the old intake pipes and demolishing outbuildings that are no longer needed. These early efforts are essential for laying the groundwork for the full revitalization of the building.

Sustainability plays a crucial role in the redevelopment project. According to early estimates, reusing the existing structure could result in a reduction of about 4.5 tons of CO2 per square meter compared to constructing a new building from scratch. Additionally, the project includes a range of sustainable initiatives aimed at minimizing the environmental impact. These include installing photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the new workshop, using waste heat from the generators of the nearby power plant for heating, and incorporating natural ventilation methods instead of conventional systems. The new workshop’s supporting structure will also be constructed entirely from wood, further reducing the project’s carbon footprint.

The redevelopment of the Töging powerhouse is not only a forward-looking project focused on sustainability, but it also respects the site’s long history. As a protected historic building, the powerhouse is an important piece of industrial heritage. Its transformation into a modern office space ensures that this architectural landmark will continue to serve a purpose, preserving its cultural and historical significance for future generations.