Vienna starts installing Europe's largest rainwater pump on the Danube island

Vienna has begun installing the largest rainwater pump in Europe, a key upgrade to the city’s flood-protection infrastructure for the 21st and 22nd districts. The pump weighs 63 tons, stands 13 meters tall, and can move 15,000 litres per second, making it the most powerful unit of its kind in Europe.

The project is part of the modernisation of the Danube Island pumping station — one of the largest in Europe, built in the 1970–1980s. Today the station pumps 600–2000 l/s of wastewater under normal conditions and significantly more during heavy rain events. By 2026, the new system will enhance flood protection in Floridsdorf and Donaustadt.

In addition to increased hydraulic capacity, the infrastructure is undergoing climate-proofing: improved thermal insulation, solar shading, green roofing, and preparation for future solar panel installation.

IDR Comment

The Institute of Danube Research notes that this project is a flagship example of climate-resilient urban infrastructure in the Danube macro-region. As extreme precipitation and flood risks grow across the basin, Danube countries increasingly invest in high-capacity water-management systems combined with nature-based solutions.

For Ukraine — in particular for cities of the Lower Danube and the Greater Odesa Agglomeration — Vienna’s experience illustrates the value of integrated flood-risk management, combining mechanical pumping stations, green urban infrastructure, and energy-efficient technologies.