General Overhaul of Vermunt Plant
PROJECT OF THE MONTH 08/2026. The historic hydroelectric power plant Vermunt was generally overhauled by technical modernization and was made fit for the coming decades. FCP was responsible for the design and tender of all construction works and relied on completely digital project handling with model-based 3D design and Common Data Environment (CDE).
Successful Modernization of Historic Hydroelectric Power Plant
Since its launch in 1930 the Vermunt plant of illwerke vkw AG has essentially contributed to the power supply from hydraulic energy in Montafon in Vorarlberg. With the general overhaul the power plant was technically modernized and further developed for long-term, efficient operation. For FCP the project started with an intensive planning phase already at the end of 2023.
An important milestone was reached in 2026: On 15 June the first of the two new turbines started full operation, on 23 July test operation of the second turbine, which shall be fully operational in August, started. With the renewal of the machine sets the modernization of the Vermunt plant has been almost concluded. Regular operation of the power plant will start in the coming weeks.
FCP Was Responsible for Design and Tender
FCP Fritsch, Chiari & Partner ZT GmbH took over design and tender of all construction works in the project. The range of services also included as-built design.
The planning of all trades was completely based on 3D models. Consequently, the interfaces between civil, mechanical and electrical engineering as well as HVACR could be coordinated in time, and planning processes could be efficiently synchronized.
During the whole project Common Data Environment (CDE) was used for communication and documentation. The central project platform provided current design and project data to all persons involved and ensured transparent, traceable cooperation.
„ The general overhaul shows how the existing power plant infrastructure can be developed digitally and sustainably. “
Stephan Kalix, Project manager
More Power from the Same Amount of Water
In the course of the general overhaul five existing machine sets were replaced with two more powerful and efficient turbine groups. Thus, annual power production of the Vermunt plant production is increased from 270 to approx. 286 GWh – with unchanged use of hydroelectric power and 100 % clean, CO₂-free power. At the same time new systems engineering considerably reduced the maintenance effort. Furthermore, the emerging waste heat of the machines is used for heating the buildings.
Instead of a new building the existing, almost 100-year-old powerhouse was comprehensively modernized. This approach preserves resources, reduces the demand for new building materials and minimizes interference with the sensitive alpine landscape.
“The general overhaul of the Vermunt plant shows how the existing power plant infrastructure can be sustainably further developed with modern engineering design and digital methods”, declares FCP project manager Stephan Kalix regarding the interdisciplinary approach of FCP.
Modernization of Existing Plant, Secure the Future
The general overhaul of the Vermunt plant is an example of how existing hydroelectric power plants can be adapted to today’s requirements by means of modern engineering design, digital methods and resource-efficient preservation.
Fact Box
| Project | General Overhaul of Vermunt Plant |
| Location | Montafon, Vorarlberg, Austria |
| Project status | First turbine in full operation since 15 June 2026; second turbine will reach its full capacity in August 2026 |
| Services | Detailed structural design, tender, tender design, construction phase design, as-built design, detailed design, cost determination, bill of quantities, statical and structural design, time scheduling |
| Digital methods | Model-based 3D design of all trades and Common Data Environment (CDE) |
| Technical modernization | Replacement of five machine sets by two more powerful turbine groups |
| Result | Increase of annual power production from 270 to approx. 286 GWh, considerably reduced maintenance effort and use of the waste heat of machines for heating the building |
| Special feature | Modernization of the existing powerhouse instead of new construction for saving resources and reducing interference with the alpine landscape |
