On behalf of Windpark Bärofen GmbH, a total of eight wind turbines are being constructed on the Koralpe at an elevation of approximately 1.600 meters above sea level; these will supply electricity to about 25.000 households in the future.

To transmit the generated energy, a power line is being constructed from the Koralpe to Wolfsberg. The trenchless cable installation required for this project is being carried out by DPB GmbH as a subcontractor to the Porr / Leyrer + Graf joint venture.

As part of the project, DPB GmbH is drilling a total of nine sections, each consisting of four parallel horizontal directional drill holes with a pipe diameter of OD 225 and a center-to-center distance of one meter. The total length of all drill holes is approximately 1,400 meters. A modern Tracto 18ACS HDD rig is being used to carry out the drilling work.

The work is being carried out under challenging conditions. Elevation differences of up to 90 meters, difficult-to-access entry points, confined spaces, rock and mixed soils, as well as a wide variety of underground structures, require the highest precision in both planning and execution. In addition, the water supply for the slurry drilling rig must be transported via tanker trucks from Wolfsberg.

The disposal and transport of the resulting drilling mud within the construction site also require significant logistical effort. This is carried out using special pumps.

Despite difficult topographical and geological conditions, the project impressively demonstrates the possibilities that modern HDD technology opens up. At the same time, DPB GmbH is making an important contribution to the expansion of renewable energy and to a sustainable energy future for Austria.