VGB PowerTech supports operational safety and environmental compatibility at power plants throughout the world, including the Freudenau hydropower plant near Vienna.

The ICPDR family of observers has been joined by VGB PowerTech, a voluntary association of power and heat generating utilities.

Membership of the organisation, which has headquarters in Essen, Germany, is international with the focus on Europe. VGB PowerTech's members represent nuclear, fossil, hydro and other renewable power plants from 420 companies in 29 countries throughout the world, including ICPDR member states, Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Romania and Slovenia.

"It was a natural move to join the ICPDR," says head of Civil Engineering/Hydro Plants Jürgen Lenz. "Hydropower is not only important in Europe, but also on the international level and this is why we are also an NGO member to the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine."

Cooperation with VGB PowerTech promises to be valuable for both sides. For the international power industry, VGB PowerTech is the competence centre for economic and ecological electricity and heat supply.

"We have a lot of experience with the EU Water Framework Directive - in hydromorphological issues, flood protection and fish migration," says Lenz. "There are a lot of ideas and experience we can share."

And VGB PowerTech is excited to participate. "The transposition of the WFD should go on with the agreement of all parties and we're eager to be a part of it," says Lenz.

Kirstie Shepherd
is a freelance journalist and the Editor of Danube Watch.
She has called the Danube River Basin home since 2000.