Pit Lake Hambach / Post Mining Lake Hambach

The Challenge

Due to the phase-out of coal-fired power generation in Germany, mining in the Rhenish lignite area will be abandoned by 2030. In roughly five decades of operation the Hambach open-pit mine has developed into the largest lignite mine in Europe, covering some 4.200 hectares with a depth of up to more than 400 m.

The Solution

The open-pit mine will be filled with water from the Rhine and mine dewatering water and thus be transformed into Germany´s second largest lake (by volume). Tractebel designs the conduit with a length of 4 kilometers, which conveys up to 15 m³/s of water for the filling of the lake. The conduit stretches from the edge of the mine down to its deepest spot and ensures safe water transport and energy dissipation for an anticipated period of more than 40 years until the lake has reached its design water level.

The Impact

The open-pit lake Hambach will newly reshape the character of its surroundings and fulfill important economic and ecological functions. Furthermore it will serve as an area of local recreation, offering a multitude of options and facilities.