Ukrhydroenergo and VERBUND: systematic exchange of knowledge and professional expertise
A team of technical specialists and engineers from Ukrhydroenergo, led by the company’s chief engineer, Arsenii Zelenskyi, has concluded a working visit to Austria.
The program included strategic meetings at VERBUND’s headquarters in Vienna and field visits to hydropower facilities in Schwarzach, Ybbs and Kaprun.
During the meetings, Ukrainian and Austrian specialists discussed practical approaches to the operation, modernisation and development of hydropower facilities, as well as advanced technologies and solutions aimed at improving the efficiency and reliability of hydropower plants.
Particular emphasis was placed on professional competency development and staff training. During meetings with VERBUND COO Achim Kaspar, Robert Spolwind, Head of Portfolio Management and Energy Economics at VERBUND Energy4Business, Hydro Consulting Department Heads Wilfried Reich and Edward Feltmann, as well as Advantage Austria expert Kateryna Hychka, the parties discussed potential areas for further cooperation – from professional development and upskilling of engineering and technical personnel to knowledge exchange in the implementation of construction projects, maintenance and overhaul programmes, and the modernisation of equipment and hydraulic structures.
An important part of the visit was a set of technical site visits. The Ukrhydroenergo team visited the Schwarzach HPP and the assembly workshop in Ybbs. In Kaprun, the team visited the Kaprun HPP powerhouse, Limberg II PSPP, Moser Dam and the Mooserboden upper reservoir. These visits provided an opportunity not only to oversee VERBUND’s technological solutions in practice, but also to discuss them directly with the specialists responsible for operating these facilities.
For Ukrhydroenergo, such technical study missions are part of a systematic approach to developing the team’s professional competencies and adopting leading European practices. Training and knowledge exchange activities are carried out, in particular, within the company’s Hydropower School educational program.
Today, it is important not simply to gain experience, but to turn knowledge into practical solutions that support the modernization of hydropower plants, strengthen professional expertise and contribute to the resilience of Ukraine’s energy sector.
We thank the VERBUND team for the open dialogue, hospitality and willingness to share its expertise. This visit marks another important step towards strengthening professional cooperation and developing new joint initiatives.
