New Archimedes screws ensure navigability in Albert Canal during droughts

23 October 2024

Three massive Archimedes screws, each 4.3 metres in diameter and 28 metres long, were installed at a new pumping and hydroelectric power station along the Albert Canal in Genk on Thursday. These screws are designed to keep the canal traversable during droughts, ensuring that shipping traffic can continue safely even when water levels are low. In addition to their water management role, the screws will also be used to generate green energy.

The installation process, a technical challenge due to the size and weight of the screws, required large cranes to place them one by one into their designated channels. Chris Danckaerts of the Flemish Waterway highlighted the complexity of the operation, noting that "the proximity of the lock complex also made the installation extra complex."

This project is part of a broader effort by the Flemish Waterway to manage the fluctuating water levels caused by alternating periods of intense rainfall and prolonged droughts. Previous initiatives, such as the Sigma Plan, have already reduced flood risks along the Scheldt and its tributaries. Meanwhile, widening the Meuse River has increased safety during high-water events.

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 aims to solve this problem. "With the construction of these installations, we are taking a major step towards guaranteeing smooth and safe shipping under all circumstances," Danckaerts stated.

Once fully operational, the pumps will allow the Flemish Waterway to better manage the water levels of the Albert Canal, which is vital for both the economy and climate resilience. Danckaerts noted the importance of the project, saying, "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, minimizing water loss and reducing the need for measures that limit water consumption.

#FlandersNewsService | Example of Archimedes screws on an urban river in Germany © PHOTO BRIDGEMAN

Related news