Die Pilotanlage des Elektro-Seilrechens als hybride Fischschutz- und Fischleitleiteinrichtung an einem Ausleitungskraftwerk in Bayern

In order to reduce the negative impacts of hydropower plants on fish populations, the University of Innsbruck has developed an electrified flexible fish fence (Flexible FishProtector) to ensure safe downstream migration. The system utilizes horizontally tensioned steel cables as electrodes to form a mechanical and behavioural barrier with the aim of guiding fish into a bypass. The first pilot plant was built at a diversion hydropower plant in Bavaria in 2020. This article gives an overview of the concept of the pilot plant, the operational experiences of the first three years, the monitoring as well as potentials for optimization.