Hydraulic screws ensure navigability of Albert canal and generate green energy

23 October 2024

Three massive Archimedes screws have been installed at a new pumping and hydroelectric power station along the Albert canal in Genk. They will keep the canal traversable during droughts, ensuring that shipping traffic can continue safely when water levels are low. The hydraulic screws will also be used to generate green energy.

The installation process, a technical challenge due to the size and weight of the devices, required large cranes to place them into their channels. They each measure 4.3m in diameter and are 28m long. The proximity of the lock complex further complicated the installation.

This project is part of a broader effort by Flemish Waterways to manage the fluctuating water levels caused by alternating periods of intense rainfall and prolonged droughts.

The Albert canal, which is fed by the Meuse, has faced increasing challenges due to frequent droughts, leading to sharp declines in water flow and difficulty maintaining the canal’s water levels. The new pumping installation is designed to solve this problem.

Previous initiatives, such as the Sigma Plan, have reduced flood risks along the Scheldt and its tributaries. Meanwhile, widening the Meuse river has increased safety during high-water events.

"With the construction of these installations, we are taking a major step towards guaranteeing smooth and safe shipping under all circumstances," said Chris Danckaerts of Flemish Waterways.

Once fully operational, the pumps will allow easier management of water levels of the canal, which is vital for both the economy and climate resilience.

Danckaert: "This is not only crucial for the economic lifeline that the Albert canal forms, but also for the challenges of climate change that we are facing."

During droughts, water used in lock operations can be pumped back to the upper section, minimising water loss and reducing the need for measures that limit water consumption.

#FlandersNewsService | The Albert canal in Genk © PHOTO BELGIAN FREELANCE

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