Power plants on the Enns

“Nothing works against the will of the residents”

Mathias Schattleitner heads the Schladming-Dachstein Tourism Association. He is keeping a close eye on the impending damming of the Enns.(Bild: Alexander Maringer, Christian Jauschowetz Krone KREATIV,)

The fact that the Styrian Enns is threatened by several hydroelectric power plants is not only causing a stir in the affected region. Now tourism experts are also speaking out critically. 

Some fear the disproportionate destruction of the Enns by Envesta of Admont Abbey and Energie Steiermark, who want to build power plants in at least three locations along this unique natural jewel. The others point to the energy turnaround that is now enshrined in law.

"Intervention cannot be supported"
Tourism is now also joining the canon of different stakeholders. Above all, Andreas Keinprecht from the Schladming-Dachstein Tourism Association has a clear opinion on the sensitive issue: "The Enns is a popular local recreation area for guests and locals alike. It is unacceptable to interfere with such a beautiful and intact natural landscape".

His colleague Mathias Schattleitner is observing the developments just as closely: "On the one hand, of course, we need green energy, but on the other hand, we in the Enns Valley live from our unique natural environment. Proportionality must be carefully weighed up here," says the managing director of the tourism association. One thing is particularly important to the expert: "Without a consensus with the local population, you certainly can't do anything.

Regional tourism is also dependent on the Enns for another reason: a lot of water is taken from the river for artificial snowmaking on the ski slopes, especially in November and December. "This is, of course, strictly limited, every tap is subject to a complex set of rules," says Planai boss Georg Bliem.

"Feasibility studies will probably show whether there is enough water for everyone."