Severe low water in Zurich's Limmat forces shutdown of Höngg hydro plant
The Limmat River in Zurich is flowing at its lowest level in three decades, prompting the city’s electricity utility to halt the Höngg hydroelectric plant and run the Letten and Wettingen turbines at reduced capacity.
Zurich’s Limmat River is experiencing water levels not seen in 30 years, making electricity generation nearly impossible. The Elektrizitätswerk der Stadt Zürich (EWZ) has therefore taken the Höngg hydroelectric station offline. At the Letten and Wettingen sites, turbines continue to operate but only at limited output. Officials warn that the low flow severely restricts renewable power production in the city.
Why it matters
Low river flow limits Zurich's renewable power, affecting local energy supply and highlighting climate-related water stress.
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