How an Alpine Engineering Firm Is Powering the Global Hydropower Boom

From the Austrian Alps to the World’s Energy Grids

Nestled in the Austrian Alps near Innsbruck, ILF Consulting Engineers has spent 45+ years mastering the art of hydropower. With over 800 employees in Austria alone, the firm designs everything from run-of-river schemes to high-head storage plants—including Austria’s Stanzertal facility. But its real impact lies in pumped storage hydropower (PSH), a technology critical for grid stability as renewables dominate. “We’re not just building dams; we’re building the backbone of the energy transition,” says CEO Klaus Lässer.

“Hydropower is the unsung hero of decarbonization—flexible, reliable, and ready to scale.” —Eddie Rich, CEO of the International Hydropower Association

The Pumped Storage Revolution

ILF’s expertise is in global demand. The firm is advising on mega-PSH projects in the UK and Australia, where these “water batteries” can store renewable energy for hours or even days. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, PSH doesn’t degrade over time—a selling point for governments eyeing long-duration storage. Lässer notes that ILF’s designs prioritize minimal environmental impact, aligning with EU standards and the San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower.

Green Energy, Green Policies

Hydropower already generates over 60% of Austria’s electricity, but ILF is pushing further. The firm became carbon-neutral in 2022 and joined the IHA to advocate for stricter sustainability protocols. It also trains employees on UN Sustainable Development Goals and partners with global banks to enforce climate safeguards. “Net-zero isn’t a buzzword for us,” Lässer insists. “It’s engineering.”

As countries scramble to balance renewables with grid reliability, ILF’s Alpine-tested solutions offer a blueprint—one that proves hydropower’s role isn’t just historical, but futuristic.