News

ILF Consulting Engineers in the United Arab Emirates has successfully completed its Technical Advisory Role for the Fujairah 60 MIGD desalination project, marking an important milestone in the development of this strategic infrastructure.

Following the successful completion of these advisory services, an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) agreement was signed between EtihadWE’s development and investment arm, as well as NMDC Infra and Lantania.

Located within the Port of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman, the project forms part of a strategic development to deliver a seawater reverse osmosis (#SWRO) desalination plant with a capacity of 60 million imperial gallons per day (272,000 cubic meters per day). The facility will play a key role in strengthening the UAE’s long-term water security by providing a reliable and sustainable supply of desalinated water to the region.

Acting as Technical Advisor, ILF-UAE supported the project – from feasibility studies and site investigations to EPC tendering and technical assistance.

Drawing on our extensive experience in desalination projects across the region and globally, ILF is proud to have contributed to the successful advancement of this key infrastructure and looks forward to supporting future developments in the sector.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​With the selection of the final alignment now underway, a crucial phase in the construction of the new Bosruck Tunnel (Austria) has begun – one of ÖBB’s (Austria’s national railway operator) key projects to modernize the Pyhrn line between Linz and Selzthal.

Together with our strong partners, ILF is contributing its planning expertise to this major infrastructure project:

• in route planning as part of a joint venture with Werner Consult, as well as
• in tunnel design as part of a joint venture with Laabmayr.

At the same time, ÖBB is laying the groundwork for future alignment decisions through initial studies and a planning process accompanied by ongoing dialogue, actively engaging the region from an early stage.

The current focus is on selecting the final alignment, with public involvement playing a key role – including through dedicated dialogue forums. The goal is to develop a well-founded recommendation for the alignment by 2028. Building on this, the permit application process will be the next key step.

The new Bosruck Tunnel is set to enhance the attractiveness of the Pyhrn line – with shorter travel times, increased capacity, and modern infrastructure.

We look forward to actively supporting the further development of this important rail connection together with ÖBB and our partners.

ILF Co-Founder Adolf Feizlmayr Looks Back: Bringing Tunneling Expertise to a Natural Gas Storage Project

40 years ago, in June 1986, ILF submitted a report titled “Stability Analysis of Cavern K128” to the Norwegian company STATOIL (now EQINOR) as part of a feasibility study “Storage of Gas in the Caverns of the IVG-Cavities Etzel”.

How ILF secured these contracts with IVG, and later with STATOIL, along with the background of the Etzel Gas Storage Project and our initial scope (limited to above-ground facilities), is described in our book “50 Years of ILF”. Accordingly, IVG was responsible for the underground scope of the study, specifically the conversion of oil caverns for natural gas storage.

The decisive question concerning the suitability of the existing oil caverns for gas storage was their stability under atmospheric pressure, a condition that do not occur during oil storage. For the origin of such a critical condition it was assumed that an airplane would crash on a wellhead and damage it, causing the natural gas to escape and the pressure in the cavern to drop to atmospheric level.

It soon became evident that at the time, there was not enough expertise available, either in Germany or elsewhere, to reliably assess the stability of the caverns.

Dr. Rudolf Pöttler, one of the finest engineers to ever work at ILF, who sadly passed away far too young, was already developing highly innovative stability analyses for tunnels using the finite element method at that time. When I shared our situation and concerns that the project might fail due to stability issues, he explained that the method he had developed for tunnel construction could also be applied to assess the stability of salt caverns. The huge cavern K 128 was selected as a case study for this purpose.

ILF’s stability analysis ultimately provided the technical basis for STATOIL’s decision to use the existing oil caverns for natural gas storage and to develop the Etzel gas storage facility.

This example shows that, with the right mindset and creativity, expertise from one field can be successfully applied to another. However, this also requires a deep understanding of the subject matter. The result is Engineering Excellence.

If ILF were ever to establish a “Hall of Fame,” I am certain that Dr. Rudolf Pöttler would have a place in it.

The NalpSolar plant is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level. When completed, the plant will have a capacity of around 8 MWp, which will generate around 11 GWh of electricity per year – enough to power around 2,000 households.

 Following the successful 2025 construction season, during which the SolarExpress project had already achieved a 10 % feed-in rate, the 2026 construction season began on May 11. This marks our transition to the next milestone.

 Construction work had to be suspended between October and April due to winter conditions. We are all the more pleased that the second construction season of this exciting pilot project has now begun.

Together with our construction partners, we are planning a major expansion phase for 2026 to significantly accelerate the project’s progress. The winter break was used to further refine plans for the 2026 construction season.

A big thank you goes out to the entire team (A+W, Heinz Freitag AG, Infranext AG) as well as Axpo for making this innovative project possible.

Improving Quality of Life around the Globe is our vision. A vision that can best be fulfilled with a diverse team that approaches challenges from various angles. Today, on Women in Engineering Day, we want to highlight the voices of some of our female colleagues all around the world.
We have asked them why they are so passionate about their job. Have a look!

Every stripe tells a story. The Warming Stripes make global warming visible: year by year, color by color, they show how our climate is changing.

This year, the message feels timely. May 2026 was marked by record‑breaking ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific and an exceptionally early and intense heatwave across western Europe.

At the same time, El Niño conditions are developing, with a potentially strong event expected. El Niño is a natural climate pattern. In a warmer world, its impacts can be amplified, increasing the risk of heat, drought, heavy rainfall, and other weather extremes.

For ILF Consulting Engineers, this is a reminder of why engineering matters. Climate action means turning knowledge into practical solutions and taking responsibility for our own ecological footprint. Through our projects and our Net Zero Roadmap, we support the energy transition, strengthen infrastructure resilience, and contribute to mitigation and adaptation.

The stripes show how the climate is changing. Our work helps shape how we respond.

With expertise. With responsibility. With action.

Graphics and lead scientist: Ed Hawkins, University of Reading. Berkshire, England.

In 2025, Gasgrid Vetyverkot Oy awarded ILF Consulting Engineers two framework agreements as part of Finland’s national hydrogen transmission network. We are pleased to contribute our expertise to the development of a future‑proof hydrogen infrastructure:

🔹 Engineering services for compressor stations (Part 1)
🔹 Engineering services for onshore hydrogen pipelines (Part 2)

Within the scope of this framework agreement, ILF is partnering with Sweco Finland.

The Finnish national hydrogen transmission network lays the groundwork for future integration into the European hydrogen market and aims to deliver a safe, high‑performance, and forward‑looking infrastructure for hydrogen production, transport, and use.
Following an initial call-off under the framework agreements, further tenders are expected later this year. We look forward to applying our international experience in the planning and delivery of complex energy infrastructure projects.

At the beginning of the year, ILF began working on a feasibility study for the Polish section of the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor (NBHC) – a cross-border hydrogen infrastructure connecting Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany – on behalf of GAZ-SYSTEM.
We are pleased to announce that our team in Poland is continuing work on this investment – now extending beyond Poland’s borders. We have signed an agreement with Amber Grid to prepare a feasibility study for the Lithuanian section of the NBHC.

The study will include a detailed analysis of:

• technical and environmental conditions,
• national permitting procedures and regulatory frameworks,
• infrastructure required for integration with the future cross-border hydrogen transmission network.

The objective of the study is to assess the conditions for developing hydrogen infrastructure in Lithuania and to identify key challenges and opportunities at the planning stage.

“Developing hydrogen infrastructure requires a coherent, cross-border approach. We are pleased to leverage the experience gained from our work on the Polish section of the NBHC in our activities for Lithuania as well, supporting decision-making processes based on robust analyses,” said Michał Gorzoch, Director of Business Development at ILF Poland.

The NBHC project will strengthen the region’s energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support the decarbonization of industry, transport, power generation, and district heating.
The entire planned corridor will comprise approximately 2,500 km of pipelines with a diameter of 1,200 mm, including compressor stations. It will be one of the first large-scale cross-border hydrogen pipelines to be included in the PCI list as part of the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan for Hydrogen (BEMIP Hydrogen) and will connect six EU countries.

ILF is acting as Consultant for the Design Review and Construction Supervision of the 48 MW Jaggran-II Hydropower Project, located in the Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan.

As part of this engagement, ILF’s scope covers a comprehensive range of civil, mechanical, and electrical works across all project phases, including the weir and intake, underground de-sander, headrace tunnel, surge tank, pressure shafts, and powerhouse, as well as hydraulic steel works, electro-mechanical systems, 132 kV & 11 kV transmission infrastructure, and environmental and social management.

The project is progressing steadily through close coordination between the Client (PDO), the EPC joint venture partners, and ILF’s dedicated on-site teams.

This project reaffirms ILF’s commitment to delivering technically demanding hydropower solutions that support clean energy access, energy security, and improved quality of life across Pakistan.

Today, on 5 June, we mark World Environment Day – a global call to accelerate action for our planet. This year’s focus on climate action underscores the urgency to act now and decisively.

At ILF, climate action is a core element of how we design, advise, and deliver projects. This closely aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action, which calls for urgent measures to reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, and integrate climate considerations across sectors.

Our contribution is rooted in our project work. From rehabilitation to new developments, we support our clients in delivering solutions that strengthen climate protection and improve energy efficiency across a wide range of infrastructure and industrial projects – combining engineering excellence with a strong focus on long-term environmental performance.

At the same time, we continue to strengthen our internal efforts. Guided by our Net Zero Roadmap, we are working to continuously reduce greenhouse gas emissions across our operations while further embedding sustainability into our day-to-day activities.

Some project examples contributing to climate action

World Environment Day is a reminder that collective action matters. As engineers and consultants, we see both the responsibility and the opportunity to contribute to the transition to a low‑carbon, more sustainable future.

Funded by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, ILF analyzed the impact of potential gas storage closures on security of supply in Bavaria using a Europe wide, sector coupled energy system model.

The key finding: storage capacity is critical to ensuring security of supply in Bavaria. Even the loss of individual storage facilities significantly reduces available buffer capacity and has a direct impact on the overall system.

Natural gas storage balances seasonal fluctuations and provides balancing capacity during winter. ILF analyzed how resilient this system remains under different scenarios. The analysis is based on the study “Plausibility Assessment of German Underground Gas Storage Facilities”. A cross sector energy system model (PyPSA) was used, capturing the electricity, gas, and heat sectors in an integrated way. Bavaria was modeled as a separate node, including the cross border storage facilities 7Fields and Haidach.

The model reflects a range of developments: from today’s system and cold winter scenarios to additional gas fired power plants (2030) and the parallel operation of gas and hydrogen networks (2035). In all cases, a gradual reduction in storage capacity was also assessed.

Key results at a glance:

• With full storage capacity, supply remains secure across all scenarios
• Even the failure of individual facilities significantly reduces available buffer capacity
• With further reductions, the critical minimum storage level of 8 TWh is undershot in multiple cases – partly even under current conditions

Particularly noteworthy:

• With additional gas-fired power plants and reduced storage capacity, the utilization of key gas pipelines to northwestern Bavaria rises to around 73 80 % in winter.
• During the hydrogen transition, storage capacity is required in parallel in both systems

“The analysis shows that natural gas storage plays a far greater role in the overall system than is often assumed,” says Simon Roth, Management Consultancy Department. “With rising demand and new requirements driven by hydrogen, it is clear that infrastructure must always be assessed within the context of the overall system. This is also because decommissioning pore space storage facilities, combined with the withdrawal of cushion gas, is irreversible and prevents future use, for instance as hydrogen storage.”

Further information
The full report is available for download in German here.

ILF Co-Founder Mr. Feizlmayr looks back:

50 years ago, on 02/11/1976, I commissioned the world’s first pipeline for liquid sulfur on behalf of ILF. It ran in northern Germany from NEAG’s natural gas processing plant in Voigtei to the Barenburg railway station.

This ILF project clearly showed that technological innovation inevitably involves risks, sometimes considerable ones. It also made me acutely aware of the enormous responsibility that an engineer bears for the work they deliver.

Liquid sulfur must be transported within a temperature range of 125 °C to 150 °C. The lower end of the range is particularly critical. At 125 °C, sulfur solidifies. If cold spots (thermal bridges) form in the pipeline, the resulting plugs not only block the flow but also prevent the expansion of the trapped liquid when reheated. This can lead to a pipe rupture.

During commissioning, the heating cable system—promoted as being especially advanced—failed. Troubleshooting was extremely difficult and time consuming. The heated 4” product pipe lay inside a 10” casing pipe, which itself ran through marshy terrain.

Fortunately, the conventional backup heating cable system functioned properly. However, the risk of cold spots still existed—and we had underestimated it. Ultimately, we had to find a pig suitable to run in liquid sulfur.

During the commissioning preparations and troubleshooting phase, the project became an extraordinary challenge for the entire team. I remain deeply grateful to Johannes Hauser and Klaus Zehl for their commitment. On a personal level, the uncertainty surrounding the project’s success placed me under immense psychological pressure.

At that time, ILF was a civil law partnership in which we (Pius Lässer and myself) were fully liable as partners with all our personal assets. Moreover, we had – at that time – no adequate insurance coverage.

For this reason, it was an unforgettable moment of immense relief for me when the first liquid sulfur arrived in Barenburg during commissioning.

The key takeaway from this rather dramatic experience is that any use of innovative solutions in a project requires a thorough and meticulous risk analysis. It must also be evaluated whether the anticipated benefits truly outweigh the associated risks. At the same time, a thorough briefing with the client is essential to make them understand that they have to bear such risks.

A major milestone for energy infrastructure in northern Germany: Following an intensive review process, the State Authority for Mining, Energy and Geology has issued the statutory planning approval (Planfeststellungsbeschluss) for the ETL 179.200 “Bützfleth – Deinste” pipeline – a clear signal of supply security in turbulent times.

The approximately 18-kilometer pipeline will connect the onshore LNG terminal in Stade to the transmission network, enabling the onward transport of large energy volumes to the Northwestern European gas network. At the same time, the ETL 179.200 was designed with the future in mind from the outset and is already capable of transporting hydrogen.

As the general planner, we have been involved in the project since the regional planning phase and throughout its entire lifecycle, defining the technical and regulatory requirements for the upcoming implementation. We will continue to oversee the project during the construction and commissioning phases, as well as the restoration of all affected areas.

Together with Gasunie Deutschland, the project is now entering the next phase.
Thank you for the trust placed in our cooperation.

The Zurich–Winterthur railway line is of great importance for regional rail traffic and rail traffic throughout Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Railways ʺSchweizerische Bundesbahnen (SBB)ʺ is currently planning to extend this line, with the Brütten Tunnel – the centerpiece of the large-scale MehrSpur Zurich–Winterthur project. The approximately 9-km-long railway tunnel will consist of two single-track rail tunnels with 20 cross connections. The rail tunnels will split off from each other at an underground junction and surface in three different locations.

After more than two years of intensive planning and design, demanding coordination work and valuable exchange with experts and stakeholders, ILF, as the lead company, working together with the SBB, has been able to complete the permit application design for Section 2 Brütten Tunnel of the MehrSpur Zurich–Winterthur project. The SBB has submitted the permit application design to the Swiss Federal Office of Transport, which was followed by a public display of the project documents in the affected municipalities in June 2023. At the same time, the above-ground construction measures were marked out on site.

We would like to thank all those involved for their good work!

ILF shows how the future can actively be created – through decisions made today.
As an engineering and consulting company, ILF develops solutions with a sustainable impact worldwide: across the areas of Energy & Climate Protection, Water & Environment, Transportation & Urban Spaces as well as Resources & Sustainable Industry.
At the core of the company are its people. With their expertise, commitment, and shared beliefs, they shape what ILF stands for. This results not only in solutions that add value, but also in a work environment where responsibility, collaboration, and professional development are at the front.
Because: „Building a sustainable future isn’t just our Job, it’s our Purpose ”.

The more than 8 km Karawanken Road Tunnel – a key connection between Austria and Slovenia in operation since 1991 – has now been successfully expanded with a second tunnel tube.
The cross border tunnel is operated by ASFINAG and DARS. Once all works are completed, the Karawanken Tunnel will operate as a two bore, unidirectional traffic tunnel with two lanes in each direction. During the comprehensive refurbishment of the existing tunnel tube, traffic is currently being routed bidirectionally through the new tunnel tube – an important step toward greater road safety and a more efficient transport infrastructure in the Alpine Adriatic region.

ILF’s Contribution
We were responsible for designing the tunnel’s operational and safety equipment, including:

• Power supply
• Ventilation system
• Control and automation systems
• Emergency call, video, and traffic management systems

The cross border collaboration involving two operators, two languages, and differing national standards made this project particularly exciting – and all the more rewarding now that it has been successfully completed.

This was an important project contributing to safe and future ready transport!

To execute complex brownfield scope safely and without interrupting production, ILF Kazakhstan applies diamond wire cutting for carbon steel amine regenerator columns. The method provides precise, controlled cuts of large diameter, tall vessels – even within tight, fully operational settings.
After the columns had been isolated, decommissioned, and replaced with new stainless steel units, they were cut into predefined sections using diamond wire technology. This method offers:

• Exceptional cutting accuracy
• Very low vibration and heat generation
• Minimal impact on adjacent live facilities

Compared to conventional hot cutting methods, diamond wire cutting significantly reduces safety risks, ensures predictable lifting and removal of each section, and enables demolition activities to be carried out safely and reliably in close proximity to live process infrastructure.

At ILF, we remain committed to delivering engineering solutions that blend technical excellence, strong safety performance, and practical innovation – especially in the most challenging operational environments.

Warsaw is now home to a cutting edge landmark in sustainable urban development: the Warsaw Energy Plant. This next generation facility is designed to process approximately 265,000 tons of mixed municipal and non recyclable waste each year, transforming it into clean energy (at least 100,000 MWh annually) and heat (at least 200,000 MWh annually) that will be fed directly into the city’s distribution networks.

Located in the Targówek district, the new plant stands among Europe’s largest and most technologically advanced waste to energy facilities, setting a new benchmark for environmental performance and operational efficiency.

As the Owner’s Engineer, ILF provided a full suite of services—ranging from construction supervision to comprehensive technical, legal, and financial advisory support—helping bring this ambitious project to life.

Project Highlights:

• BAT compliant technology, featuring a state of the art flue gas cleaning and emissions monitoring system.
• Integrated waste sorting capabilities for metals, plastics, and paper (approx. 30,000 tons/year).
• Public education features, including a visitor viewing platform atop the chimney.
• Green rooftop spaces totaling around 20,000 m², complete with a flower meadow and a small apiary.
• Dynamic LED architectural lighting (Red, Green, Blue, White) enabling customizable color and intensity settings to transform the facility’s appearance.

The Warsaw Energy Plant directly addresses the growing need for modern waste management solutions in major metropolitan areas. For ILF, it also represented an exciting opportunity to help shape one of the most complex and forward looking infrastructure projects built in recent years.

Energy projects are complex: diverse technologies, volatile markets and earlystage uncertainties make reliable decisionmaking difficult.
ESMO – Energy System Modelling & Optimization – was developed precisely for this challenge.
The tool is already successfully applied in several projects and shows how different system configurations perform under realworld conditions.

ESMO simulates complete energy systems on an hourly basis over the system’s entire lifespan and integrates technical, economic and systemic factors into a single coherent model. This provides a robust foundation to compare options, evaluate key tradeoffs and identify longterm viable solutions.

What ESMO delivers:
🔹Informed decisions: Quantified, validated and technically robust results based on real engineering expertise
🔹Risk mitigation: Early‑stage modelling identifies technical, economic and systemic risks early enough to be corrected during project development
🔹Comparability: System options aligned with projectgate criteria and prepared for financing and investor reviews
🔹Optimized architectures: Precise determination of optimal renewable shares and identification of hidden efficiency potentials

🔹Economic viability: System infrastructure designed for lowest lifecycle costs

The result: A integrated approach that reduces complexity and enables datadriven, reliable decisions – especially for projects that are too complex for simple answers.

📄 Brochure with example projects and results

ILF is proud to have secured the FEED study for the expansion of gasoil and LPG facilities at the Sonker Bulk Liquids Terminal in Egypt, in collaboration with SONKER Bunkering Company – a leading owner and operator of bulk storage and handling terminal for petroleum products, gases and chemicals.
This achievement builds on ILF’s ongoing engagement with Sonker, including the development of the terminal’s master plan for expansion with an objective to position the terminal as one of the region’s leading multi-product hubs. Our team in UAE has now reached the 50%-completion milestone, covering critical aspects such as storage capacity planning, liquid product handling systems, and import/export capabilities.

Why It Matters:

• Strengthens Egypt’s energy infrastructure, including enhanced strategic storage capabilities
• Increases operational flexibility and reliability across the supply chain
• Supports national growth and energy security priorities
• Ensures resilience through advanced safety and sustainability practices

Project Scope Highlights:

• Delivery of a comprehensive FEED study for the expansion of gas oil and LPG storage facilities
• Integration of advanced HSE standards and quality objectives
• Boosting terminal capacity and operational performance

ILF is proud to contribute to a more resilient and efficient energy future for Egypt and the region.

ILF Co-Founder Mr. Feizlmayr looks back: The installation of the Inn siphon for the Transalpine Pipeline (TAL), 60 years ago

Sixty years ago, on 1 December 1966, the Inn siphon of the Transalpine Pipeline was installed.

This account is intended to remind us that the ILF partners, Pius Lässer and Adolf Feizlmayr, had already worked successfully together even before ILF was founded, and that engineers sometimes have to make bold decisions.

The Inn River crossing of the TAL was a critical part of the project. Bechtel, the U.S. engineering firm responsible for the design and project management, had initially proposed a crossing with 2.5 m of cover and no additional safety measures, based on their standard “typicals.” The Austrian authorities, however, rejected this design with evident frustration, pointing to the Inn’s extreme bedload discharge.

We (a term I use hereafter to refer to the future ILF partners) then worked with the authorities to develop a plan for a crossing protected by sheet pile walls, with the downstream wall driven to a depth of up to 11 m below the riverbed (see sketch). At that time, modern trenchless installation methods were not yet available.

During construction, keeping the siphon trench open proved extremely challenging due to the river’s strong bedload discharge. A ceremony attended by numerous guests, who had come to witness the installation of the siphon, had to be cut short because the trench repeatedly filled in. Excavation continued nonetheless. On the afternoon of 1 December 1966, word finally arrived that the trench was clear. At the same time, a winter flood was forecast for the following day.

We insisted on proceeding with the siphon installation at once. Bechtel’s project leadership opposed this approach, noting that their guidelines did not permit nighttime siphon installation. Nevertheless, the final decision was entrusted to us, and we were acutely aware of the responsibility we were assuming.

We decided to install the siphon during the night.

The start of the operation was dramatic, as the towing cable snapped. After that, however, the process proceeded without further incidents. When the flood arrived the next day—likely carrying a heavy bedload—the siphon was already securely in place in its trench.

The installation of the Inn siphon is not only a testament to a bold decision, but also to the fact that by then we had already secured a significant position within the TAL project organization

ILF Consulting Engineers has been awarded the feasibility study for Jordan’s Green Hydrogen Common Infrastructure (CUI), with a masterplan level focus on water, ammonia, and port infrastructure in and around Aqaba. The assignment builds on the recommendations of the previous phase and follows a Cabinet decision informed by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR).

At feasibility level, ILF will develop and assess routing concepts for the common infrastructure and carry out an integrated assessment of water supply and treatment, ammonia production and handling, and the port interfaces required to enable future export. The study will address capacity envelopes, site options, and phased development pathways to support timely and scalable implementation.

The engagement is underpinned by a strong, multidisciplinary team. The international law firm Addleshaw Goddard will lead the legal and commercial advisory, including regulatory, institutional, and delivery model considerations. High level stakeholder consultations will be led by Roland Käppner, former Managing Director of the NEOM Green Hydrogen Project, bringing extensive global green hydrogen (GH2) development experience and further strengthening the team’s credentials.

With this mandate, ILF continues to support the global energy transition by providing technical advisory services that directly inform policy decisions and the implementation of large scale infrastructure.

A project that moves Europe forward: The Northern Feeder Line to the Brenner Base Tunnel (AUT) strengthens sustainable mobility, protects the Alps, and connects Munich with Innsbruck – forming part of the 400‑km Munich – Verona corridor, which, together with the Brenner Base Tunnel, is set to become the longest underground rail connection in the world. With a high proportion of tunnels, ongoing construction phases, and additional tunnels planned across international borders, a highly efficient and environmentally friendly infrastructure project for Europe is set to be completed by the end of the 2030s.

ILF is supporting the extension with comprehensive expertise – from transport infrastructure and tunnel design to geology, environmental planning, and digital planning in BIM. Sustainability guides every step of the process: resource-efficient logistics, streamlined construction processes, and maximum transparency through digital models.

Project Manager Alexander Buchner, Transport Engineering East ILF Austria, is responsible, among other tasks, for coordinating the environmental impact assessment for the section from Schaftenau to the international border. Together with his team, he ensures that all permit application documents are submitted in full and on time, while maintaining smooth information flow between all specialists and the client.

Alexander describes what truly matters – and what talents can expect at ILF:

“The Northern Feeder Line to the Brenner Base Tunnel is a project that will span over many generations – technically demanding and highly visible to the public. Anyone with a technical background will find a wide range of responsibilities here. Openness, curiosity, and confidence in using digital tools such as BIM are essential – both during studies and in day-to-day work.”

Your Opportunity:

Whether you are an intern, a young professional, or an experienced civil engineer, you can actively contribute to shaping a European project that will impact generations and become part of our team. For more information, please visit our Career Page.

Help us shape a sustainable future – let’s make a difference together and join our team!

👉 Submit an unsolicited application now: https://www.ilf.com/de-at/job/?id=935

The engineer consortium GAWI (c/o ILF Consulting Engineers) proudly announces the successful commissioning of the ventilation system for the second tunnel of the Gubrist Tunnel.
A noteworthy aspect of the project was the application of a comprehensive digital twin of the ventilation control system. This allowed all functions to be tested virtually in advance, enabling early detection and correction of errors. Testing conducted within the tunnel confirmed the proper functioning of the ventilation system.

The project highlights how digital technology can boost efficiency and safety in infrastructure projects.

A heartfelt thank you to all project participants—especially our engineer consortium partners WSP Ingenieure AG and Amberg Engineering, as well as the ventilation contractors Zitron Nederland BV, TLT-Turbo GmbH, Sirocco Luft- und Umwelttechnik GmbH, Baumeler Leitungsbau AG, Kull Elektro AG, Ticos Engineering AG and ACP Environment AG—for their commitment and expertise.

ILF is proud to be awarded the Abu Dhabi Water Transmission System Masterplan Development Project — a strategic initiative that will secure the region’s potable water supply up to 2050.

Project Objective:
A comprehensive review of the existing water transmission network to verify its ability to meet future demand forecasts and to identify the infrastructure upgrades required to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted supply.

Scope of Work:
Stage 1: Data Collection & Analysis
Stage 2: Master Plan Development

ILF in UAE is uniquely positioned to deliver this initiative thanks to its extensive experience with large-scale water master plans across the Middle East, a deep understanding of TAQA’s transmission network, and an integrated team of local and international experts that blend regional insights with global best practices. With specialized expertise in hydraulic modeling and financial analysis, and through its ongoing collaboration with TAQA Transmission and TAQA Distribution, ILF brings the right mix of technical capability and trusted partnership to ensure the long-term success of this Master Plan.
At ILF, we are committed to supporting clients with solutions that ensure resilience, efficiency, and sustainability for generations to come.

Seeing Earth from space is a life‑changing moment for astronauts, often described as the Overview Effect: a profound realization of our planet’s fragility and interconnectedness. SpaceBuzz, an international nonprofit educational initiative, brings this powerful perspective to children, young people, and the public through an immersive virtual journey into space.

From 3 to 7 March 2026, SpaceBuzz was hosted in Innsbruck, inviting school classes and visitors to experience Earth as astronauts do — and to reflect on humanity’s shared responsibility for its future.

ILF’s Engagement: Engineering Responsibility for Future Generations

ILF Consulting Engineers Austria supported SpaceBuzz in Innsbruck (Austria) as both a sponsor and an active educational partner. Beyond financial support, ILF contributed directly to the educational program by delivering workshops during school hours, highlighting the role of engineers in shaping a sustainable future and improving quality of life.

Through practical examples from infrastructure, energy systems, and environmental protection, ILF experts showed how engineering solutions address global challenges and contribute to responsible development.

Josef Mayr, Managing Director of ILF Austria, emphasized the importance of early awareness:

“SpaceBuzz is far more than a rocket on wheels: it is a comprehensive school and educational program that ideally complements STEM instruction. Students complete intensive astronaut training and, through various missions, explore the world of space travel and its significance for our society. Along the way, they learn how closely technology, engineering, and the protection of our planet are interconnected.”

He further underlined ILF’s long‑term commitment:

“ILF stands for engineering excellence, responsibility, and the conviction that technical expertise must always serve society and the environment. We actively bring these values into our project work every day. In our workshops, we demonstrate how engineers use curiosity, creativity, and teamwork to develop innovative solutions for the future.

Our goal is to inspire as many students as possible to take an interest in engineering and the natural sciences, and to show them that they have the power to shape their own future. When young people experience early on that their ideas can have an impact, we contribute not only to education—but also to fostering responsible thinking for a sustainable future.”

Sandra Peraic‑Flunger, HR Business Partner at ILF Austria and bridge to the initiative, highlighted the broader educational dimension of the engagement:

“As an engineering company, we see a particular responsibility in linking our involvement clearly to sustainability. Our engagement in SpaceBuzz is part of our educational mission: to inspire young people at an early stage for technology, innovation, and engineering professions.”

She also stressed the importance of diversity and equal opportunities:

“Showing how diverse, meaningful, and future‑relevant technical professions are is essential. True equality strengthens not only fairness of opportunity, but also innovation — because diverse perspectives lead to better solutions.”

Education at the Core: The Coordinator’s Perspective

SpaceBuzz was initiated in 2017 by the SpaceBuzz Foundation, founded by astronaut André Kuipers and his wife. Developed by an interdisciplinary team spanning space science, education, and immersive technologies, the initiative has received multiple international awards for its educational impact.

In Innsbruck, the project was coordinated by Géraldine Fitoussi‑Hoffmann, who emphasized the initiative’s strong educational focus. During school hours, participating classes followed a structured program combining the virtual space flight with two complementary workshops: one on satellite imagery led by ESERO Austria, and one on engineering professions and future‑oriented technologies delivered by ILF Consulting Engineers.

From mid‑afternoon onwards, SpaceBuzz also opened its doors to the broader public, reinforcing its role as a platform for dialogue between education, industry, and society.

Learning Through Experience: A School Perspective

Sabine Schmarda‑Außerlechner is the class teacher of Class 3A at the Franziskaner‑Gymnasium Hall. She participated in the SpaceBuzz initiative together with her students and reflects on the experience as follows:

“The SpaceBuzz experience was a valuable extension of our classroom work. Over the past two school years, we have addressed topics such as water, air, soil, renewable energy, and global responsibility across different subjects. Experiencing Earth from space made these themes tangible in a powerful and emotional way, helping students understand how unique and vulnerable our planet truly is.

The initiative strengthened our students’ awareness of global challenges and their willingness to take responsibility. It also provided important impulses for future project‑based learning, in which sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals will continue to play a central role.”

Shaping Tomorrow Together

SpaceBuzz in Innsbruck demonstrated how powerful experiential learning can be when education, emotion, and dialogue come together. By connecting a virtual journey into space with reflection on real‑world challenges, the initiative invited participants to see Earth — and their own potential — from a new perspective.

For ILF, this engagement reflects a clear conviction: engineering is not only about designing and building infrastructure, but about shaping a future worth living in — for today’s society and for generations to come.

ILF is acting as an Owner’s Engineer for the modernization of the combined heat and power plant in Zabrze (POL) – one of Fortum’s key investments on the path toward decarbonization.

Our responsibilities include preparing a revised building design, comprehensive project management, supplier coordination, supervision of assembly works, commissioning of the installation, and obtaining all necessary permits.

Currently, the Zabrze CHP plant uses a fuel mix of 60% coal and 40% RDF. After the modernization, coal will be replaced with certified forest biomass sourced from local suppliers.

This is an important step toward reducing CO₂ emissions – the modernization will decrease Fortum’s coal-based capacity by 0.1 GW and cut annual direct CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels by approximately 280,000 tons.

We are proud to be part of this transformation and to support the development of sustainable energy in Poland.

On International Women’s Day, ILF CONSULTING ENGINEERS is proud to announce that CEO Klaus Lässer has signed the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), reaffirming our commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women across all our offices.

With the launch of our Gender Strategy in 2025, ILF set clear foundations to ensure equal treatment, foster an inclusive and equitable workplace, and provide equal opportunities for all genders to thrive, contribute, and lead. Our goal is to create an environment where talent is recognized and nurtured—regardless of gender.

By endorsing the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, we underline our belief that companies play a crucial role in driving gender equality and strengthening women’s empowerment globally.

“Together, we will continue to build a workplace where everyone can succeed. Signing the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles signifies our commitment to embed equity into how we hire, promote, pay, and form partnerships. As a dad of two daughters, I take this issue personally—and I expect the same standard from myself and our leadership team.”

Klaus Lässer, ILF CEO

“Empowering women means empowering our entire organization. By endorsing the Women’s Empowerment Principles, the ILF Group reaffirms its commitment to fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity—today and in the future.”

Ines Stubenböck, HR Coordinator

We are happy about the successful completion of the feasibility study on future sludge thickening and digested sludge storage at the Gut Großlappen Wastewater Treatment Plant in Munich (Germany). The project was commissioned by Münchner Stadtentwässerung (MSE) and carried out by ILF.

As part of the study, the existing plant components for sludge thickening and the main pumping station for sludge, including the buffer tank at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, were comprehensively analyzed and evaluated. Based on a comparison of sludge thickening and disintegration technologies, a study of alternatives was conducted to develop concepts for waste activated sludge thickening that differ in terms of process engineering and/or location, and to compare them in terms of manufacturing and operating costs. For this purpose, material and energy balances were calculated for the different process alternatives and the initial state (zero alternative) of the entire sludge line. These balances now form the basis for the evaluation of alternatives of the MSE and the further development of the waste activated sludge thickening and the main pumping station for sludge with a storage tank.

This project once again underlines our commitment to sustainable, innovative and economical solutions in municipal water management.

ILF’s office in Chile is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the pre-feasibility engineering contract for the Choapa Project, developed by DESALA™, a company focused on the development of multipurpose desalination projects.

The Choapa Project, located in the Coquimbo Region, involves the construction of a seawater desalination plant, together with a conveyance system of approximately 120 km, capable of transporting a nominal flow of 2,500 L/s to supply multiple consumption points, connecting the coast with inland areas through a large-scale pressurized infrastructure.

The project also includes a dedicated pipeline to a project in Argentina, contributing to cross-border water cooperation.

The project involves the design and technical evaluation of the desalinated water conveyance system, including the definition of pumping stations and the review of delivery points and rural sanitation services, from the desalination plant to the delivery tank.

Due to its location in an area of high environmental and territorial sensitivity, the development of the project requires a comprehensive assessment from technical, economic, environmental, legal, and social perspectives. In this context, ILF Chile has been selected by DESALA™ to develop the pre-feasibility studies for the conveyance system, in collaboration with SGA–SLR Gestión Ambiental and Carrasco Benítez, specialists in environmental management and environmental legislation, respectively.

The route takes into account various geographical and technical factors, such as terrain variability, environmental and climatic conditions in the area, which range from arid coastal climates to areas with significant temperature fluctuations, as well as the existing road network, consisting of main routes and rural roads that facilitate access for the construction and operation stages of the system.

With this new challenge, ILF reaffirms its commitment to developing engineering solutions of excellence that promote water security and sustainable development in the country and the region.

ILF UAE is proud to have received a Certificate of Appreciation from TAQA Water Solutions for our contribution to the Sewerage Scheme for the Future Development of Abu Dhabi. This recognition underscores our commitment to supporting the Emirate’s long-term infrastructure strategy by strengthening the capacity, resilience, and reliability of its wastewater and sewerage systems.

As part of this strategic project, ILF delivered the full consultancy scope – from the Preliminary Design through to the Construction Contract Award. A major component of the project is a 32‑meter‑deep tunnel, with 3,400 mm in diameter, built beneath the Hudayriyat Channel to house twin pumping mains that connect the Hudayriyat Island sewage network to the Abu Dhabi mainland system.

The crossing was engineered using a Non-Disruptive Method (NDM), enabling the tunnel to be delivered with minimal impact on the channel, surrounding infrastructure, and sensitive coastal assets. Projects of this scale highlight how NDM solutions are increasingly enabling deep, large-diameter utility crossings in dense urban and environmentally constrained corridors, supporting sustainable urban development in Abu Dhabi.

This achievement reflects the strength of the One ILF spirit, with teams in the UAE and Poland working seamlessly together to deliver high-quality, innovative engineering solutions. We thank TAQA Water Solutions for the trust placed in ILF and for the strong partnership throughout the project.

We are proud to announce the successful completion of the Georgian Railway Modernization Project for our client, Georgian Railway – a transformative infrastructure achievement and one of the most significant investments in Georgia’s transport sector to date.

As a key segment of the Middle Corridor linking Europe and Asia, this project significantly reinforces Georgia’s strategic role as a modern, reliable, and indispensable transit hub for global trade.

Engineering Excellence & Supervision

As the lead of a consortium with DB International, ILF Consulting Engineers from Georgia and Austria played a pivotal role in the technical supervision of this multi-year undertaking. The project was delivered in accordance with the FIDIC Yellow Book and carried out under demanding geological conditions, where uncompromising standards for safety, quality, and technical excellence were essential.

Project Scope & Key Technical Highlights

This 40-km modernization initiative included:

• • • • • Gradient Reduction: From 29‰ to 17.5‰ – significantly enhancing safety and performance
        • Curve Radius Increased: From 200 m to 400 m – improved operational speed
        • Tunnels: 5 double-track tunnels (6.3 km in total) and 2 single-track twin tunnels totaling 16.57 km
        • Bridges: 10 bridges (1.185 km), 44 retaining walls (4.59 km), and 56 culverts.
        • Stations: 3 new railway stations and substations
        • Railway Systems: T9 Safety Installations Works & Advanced signaling and telecom systems

Strategic Impact: Connecting Today with Tomorrow

• Increased Capacity:

• Increased Capacity:
  From 27 MT → 48 MT annual freight capacity
  From 47 → 57 wagons per train
  Load limit from 2,800 → 3,600 tons

• • Faster, Safer, Greener:
    Enhanced operational safety
    Reduced maintenance costs & environmental impact

• • Higher Speeds & Shorter Travel Times:
    – Designed Speeds:
    Freight: 80 km/h
    Passenger: 120 km/h
    – In Gorge Section:
    Freight: 40-50 km/h → 80 km/h
    Passenger: 40-50 km/h → 100 km/h

We are honored to contribute our global engineering expertise to boost Georgia’s connectivity and trade infrastructure for the 21st century.

As one of Europe’s largest energy infrastructure projects, SuedLink will transport 4 GW of wind‑generated electricity over approximately 700 km from northern to southern Germany via a ±525 kV HVDC link using ~550 kV underground cables. This makes it a key component in achieving Germany’s goal of becoming CO₂‑neutral by 2045. ILF Consulting Engineers is proud to have been involved from the initial routing concept through to today.

Our teams have supported the project through all its  approval phases in a cross-disciplinary effort made possible by the collaboration of many contributors. ILF  prepared and supported the plan approval processes until the route was finalized and construction began.

Projects of this scale demand more than careful planning. They require patience, responsibility, and perseverance – especially when processes are complex and not everything can be predicted. We extend our sincere thanks to our project partners TenneT and TransnetBW for their trust and constructive collaboration over the years.

SuedLink is a first ‑of‑its‑kind mega project that demonstrates what it takes to turn plans into reality: ingenuity, dedicated people, close coordination, quality control and safety; and practical execution methods – from developing advanced GIS systems to integrate spatial data, enabling precise planning, to construction methods ranging from horizontal directional drilling to open-trench construction. This project underscores the need for tailored solutions shaped by local topography and specific project requirements.

Real transformation takes time – and the people who make it happen.

We are proud to announce that ILF Consulting Engineers, in collaboration with DRS Ingeniería y Gestión and Geoconsult Latinoamérica S.A. (companies that constitute the DIG Consortium), has been awarded the contract to supervise the construction works for the extension of Line 6 of the Santiago Metro, one of the largest and most modern urban transport systems in Latin America.

• • • • The project aims to improve mobility in the city of Santiago, directly benefiting more than 90,000 people in the Cerrillos district.
      • The extension includes one new station, with a length of 3 km and a travel time of 3 minutes, also connecting with the Melipilla – Estación Central train line.
      • The current Line 6, a pioneer in automation and screen doors, has 10 stations, a 15.6 km route, and a travel time of 23 minutes.

The ILF team visited Pique Lo Errazuriz, the future station for this extension, guided by our Deputy Project Manager, Marco Herrera. We were accompanied by ILF engineers Diego Araujo, Claudio Yáñez, Cristian Salazar, Carlos Vallenilla, and Julie Devriese.
In addition, ILF Consulting Engineers is also currently carrying out the Technical Inspection of Works and Project Management Support for the Melipilla – Estación Central Train, Melipilla – Malloco Section, which connects to the station under construction visited by our team.
This dual commitment reflects our contribution to the development of a more connected city, improving people’s quality of life.

The project aims to create a modern, stable railway link supporting seamless, multimodal transport for local and international travelers in Albania. By connecting the Rrogozhine–Vlore railway line (84.3 km) directly to the new Vlore Airport, the initiative will make travel more efficient, safer, and environmentally sustainable.

Key technical upgrades include:

• • • • Full electrification for energy-efficient operations
      • Track and infrastructure upgrades to UIC D-4 standards (22.5 t axle load, up to 120 km/h, 740 m passing loops)
      • Advanced Electronic Interlocking and ERTMS for safety, efficiency, and cross-border compliance

Positive Impacts:

Sustainability: Reduces road traffic, lowers accident rates, and minimizes environmental impact by shifting travel from road to rail.
Economic Growth: Boosts regional development by improving mobility and connectivity across southern Albania, supporting local economies.
Transport Benefits: Enhances passenger comfort and safety, increases capacity, and provides easier access to key public services.

The project also aligns with the expansion of the Western Balkans’ transport network, strengthening Albania’s role in the European transport system.
A comprehensive feasibility study will identify the most cost-effective, low-risk solution for the new airport connection and guide the rehabilitation of the existing corridor, ensuring compliance with EU standards.
This is the second consecutive ILF project for the same client in Albania.

As part of the AI engineering consortium, we are pleased to have been awarded the mandate as Owner’s Engineer (OE) for the equipment of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel (LBT). The full expansion of this railway tunnel represents one of Switzerland’s most significant infrastructure projects. This expansion will enable a continuous half-hourly service for passenger traffic and further shift freight transport to the base route. The mandate covers SIA phases 41 to 53 (tender design to commissioning). Key tasks of the AI engineering consortium include preparing the tender for the procurement of the EPC contractor for LBT equipment, providing technical support and quality assurance during execution, and managing the commissioning phase. The project duration spans from 2025 to 2036.
The AI engineering consortium combines the specialist know-how of ILF Consulting Engineers in Switzerland with our colleagues from ILF Consulting Engineers in Austria and AFRY Schweiz AG, as well as the subcontractors EPRO TRAFFIC, RUBI Bahntechnik GmbH and eprs engineering – electric power railway solution.

We are proud to have earned the trust of the client BLS AG and will do everything possible to meet the high expectations associated with this project with our dedicated team.
We would thank everyone who contributed to this success and look forward to sustainable solutions and all the exciting challenges ahead.

We’re proud to announce that ILF Consulting Engineers has been appointed as the Technical Advisor for the TAQA Morocco & Nareva Holding Initiative for the development of multiple seawater desalination plants in the Kingdom of Morocco.

TAQA Morocco & Nareva Holding have formed a Morocco-UAE Consortium to develop a strategic program for transforming water and energy infrastructures across the Kingdom of Morocco in partnership with the Government of Morocco and ONEE (Office National de l’Electricité et de l’Eau Potable).

The ILF project involves the development of multiple greenfield Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination plants with a combined capacity of approximately 540 MIGD (~2.5 million cubic meters per day).

Each facility will be located along Morocco’s coastline, either Atlantic or Mediterranean, serving key cities and various regions of the country and ensuring reliable and climate-resilient water supply.

ILF will provide technical support throughout the development phase of the desalination plants until Financial Close.

The project will be led by ILF Italy, in collaboration with ILF UAE, ILF Thailand, and ILF Chile, as part of the One ILF approach.

This project not only supports the Kingdom of Morocco’s water security goals but also strengthens regional sustainability efforts through innovative and environmentally conscious engineering.

Together with our partners, we are honored to support this transformative journey toward a more water-secure future.

Project Background

In New South Wales, Australia, the Silver City Energy Storage (SCES) project is underway aiming to provide large-scale, long-duration energy storage for the region. The project is leveraging Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES) technology, a cutting-edge, clean power generation technology.

Project Objective: Our Role in Sustainable Energy

ILF Consulting Engineers was commissioned by Hydrostor Inc. to apply our extensive expertise in pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) to the conceptual design of the waterway system. Our involvement addresses the critical need for robust, long-term energy storage solutions that support grid stability and the transition to renewable energy. The outcome of our work was a comprehensive conceptual design, including a Risk Register and Basis of Design (BoD), ensuring the project’s foundational elements are sound and efficient.

Challenges and Innovative Solutions

SCES stores compressed air in hydrostatically compensated hard rock caverns. A key challenge is the “Champagne Effect,” whereby dissolved air escapes from water as it moves up the vertical shaft, potentially disrupting system dynamics and leading to operational issues.

To mitigate this, ILF developed a novel and innovative intake structure design concept. This solution minimizes the negative impacts of the Champagne Effect and improves overall operability, making the system more reliable and environmentally responsible. Our work sets a benchmark for real-world A-CAES applications. The findings were published in a joint scientific paper, ‘Mitigating the Champagne Effect: A Novel Intake Structure Design for Advanced-CAES Energy Storage,’ presented at the Hydro 2024 conference in Graz, Austria.

Furthermore, our pioneering work on the Champagne Effect in A-CAES systems has led to a crucial new insight. We recognized that similar challenges related to “air supersaturation” – where water contains more dissolved gases than it can normally hold – can also occur within pumped hydro plants, especially with ternary machine sets. In the worst-case scenario, such oversaturation downstream of the turbine can lead to ‘gas bubble disease’ (GBD) in fish in the reservoir, which is harmful. Building on our expertise from the SCES project, we can apply these insights to design and advise clients on solutions for mitigating the problems occurring through air supersaturation in pumped hydro plants, ensuring environmental protection and operational integrity.

Our Involvement

ILF provided specialized engineering and consulting services for the waterway’s conceptual design, including:

• Applying PHES knowledge to the A-CAES system design.
• Developing a conceptual design  with a Risk Register and Basis of Design.
• Designing an innovative intake structure to mitigate the negative impacts of the “Champagne Effect” and enhance operability.

This project highlights a crucial collaboration with Hydrostor Inc., where our combined expertise is paving the way for advanced energy storage solutions.

Link to paper: Mitigating the Champagne Effect: Novel Intake Structure Design for Advanced-CAES Energy Storage in Australia     

In early 2025, as a member of IG CC Zürich, ILF was entrusted with the project design of the Selnau energy center, including microtunneling, to ensure the long-term supply of sustainable heating and cooling from Lake Zurich to central offices and retail spaces in the city. As part of the project, the client ewz is developing one of Switzerland’s largest lake-water networks.

IG CC Zürich has been entrusted with transforming the historically protected former Selnau substation into a state-of-the-art energy center, while also overseeing the design of two large-scale microtunneling projects. This demanding assignment includes the construction of a deep diaphragm-wall excavation pit within the existing building, the conversion of the entire building into a “house-in-house” structure, the construction of a delivery shaft in the Urania area, and two large microtunnel drives with DN3,000 and lengths of more than 800 m.

IG CC Zürich consists of the companies ILF Beratende Ingenieure AG (lead and management as well as microtunneling), Bänziger + Partner AG, F. Preisig AG, and GoBau AG, and is supported by 3°Architekten AG, Triton Ingenieure AG, and Gartenmann Engineering AG. In the area of historical preservation and architectural services, the firms OLBH GmbH and Andreas Madianos are also engaged.

Current Status TP 2  – Selnau Energy Center including Microtunneling
The launch of the IG CC Zürich project is already complete, with the introductory report finalized and planning for the building and submission phases in full swing. Furthermore, an excavation concept has been finalized, with additional geotechnical studies completed and the geological report revised by the client’s geologist. Work on the submission documents is currently progressing at full speed.

Further information can be found on the ewz project page: www.ewz.ch/coolcity

ILF, as lead partner of a joint venture with Engicon and GFA, is proud to announce the successful launch of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) for infrastructure projects on behalf of the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ).

Funded by KfW Development Bank and contracted by WAJ, this initiative was developed under the program “Support of Water Sector Reforms – Consulting Services for Accompanying Measures.” The ESMF introduces a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and managing environmental and social risks in projects financed by international financial institutions (IFIs), ensuring compliance with Jordanian legislation and international best practices. This framework will streamline processes, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness for all stakeholders involved in current and future projects.

Since launching in February 2024, ILF and its partners have worked closely with WAJ’s Environmental and Social Standards Directorate (ESSD), KfW, and several IFIs – including the World Bank, EBRD, AfD and EIB) – to develop key tools and templates. These include the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Land Acquisition Plan (LAP), and Screening Checklists, all designed to strengthen responsible, sustainable and effective project implementation.

The framework was officially presented during a disclosure session on 13 October 2025, which brought together around 45 representatives from WAJ, KfW, the World Bank, AFD, the Ministry of Environment, and local water utilities. The session provided a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, gathering feedback and discussing next steps for implementation.

This milestone highlights ILF’s leadership in advancing sustainable and socially responsible infrastructure solutions and reflects our continued commitment to supporting clients and partners in achieving lasting positive environmental and social impacts – both in Jordan and beyond.

As part of a joint investment by Fortum and MPWiK S.A., the Wrompa project was launched — a 12.5 MW heat pump system designed to recover thermal energy from municipal and stormwater sources, serving primarily the central and southern districts of Wrocław in southwestern Poland.

Powered by electricity from renewable sources, the installation plays a key role in reducing coal dependency within the local district heating network. It also helps cut emissions of CO₂, SO₂, NOx, and particulate matter.

ILF Polska contributed to the development of this project by providing:

• • • • Preliminary design services
      • A comprehensive feasibility study
      • Procurement documentation and management of the heat pump supply tender
      • Technical documentation for the EPCM consultant tender

ILF’s entry into cable projects in Germany

In 2015, the government of Germany decided that the new high-capacity power lines needed for the energy transition would use underground cables rather than the originally planned overhead high-voltage lines.

At first glance, underground cables and pipelines seem to have little in common. On closer inspection, however, these cables—with a diameter of 150 mm and protective pipes of 300 mm—were quite comparable to pipelines. In addition, the required engineering services did not relate to the cables themselves but to their installation. The focus was primarily on route planning, crossing structures, cable trenching, permits, and rights of way. And in these areas, the similarities were already significant.

ILF recognized this correctly and applied its pipeline expertise and experience with other linear infrastructure projects in Germany to the client TenneT.

In October 2015, ILF was awarded the contract for the SuedLink feasibility study. This marked the company’s entry into cable projects in Germany—a business area that has since grown significantly within ILF and will continue to occupy the company for a long time.

This look back at the year 2015 illustrates how creativity and courage can be used to leverage existing competencies to successfully enter a new business field.

Islands face distinct energy challenges, including limited grid capacity, vulnerability to extreme weather, and the need to ensure a reliable supply while pursuing sustainable solutions. On St. Kitts, these factors make integrating renewable energy both a complex task and a strategic priority.

In partnership with Castalia Advisors, ILF is supporting St. Kitts’ clean energy transition by providing technical due diligence and transaction services for the Caribbean’s largest solar PV and battery storage project. This landmark initiative will deliver 50 MWp of solar power and 30 MW/30 MWh of battery storage—meeting 30% of the island’s electricity needs and significantly reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Our role ensures that the solar PV and battery system is integrated reliably into the existing grid, providing resilience, stability, and long-term sustainability under challenging conditions.

“Thanks to our technical due diligence, engineering and project support, St. Kitts will be able to generate clean and stable renewable energy,” says Matthew Long, ILF Project Manager.

Energy Efficiency is no longer just a technical upgrade – it’s a strategic imperative.
At ILF, we go beyond engineering. We advise on policies, support investment planning, and help accelerate global energy transition. This role is clearly reflected in our latest engagement: ILF has been appointed Strategic Advisor for Energy Efficiency in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

From Engineering to Strategy:
Through a framework agreement with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and (MOEF) and the National Agency for Energy Efficiency (ESMA), ILF is supporting the country’s ambitious National Energy Efficiency Program. This initiative goes far beyond technology – it’s about transforming how energy is perceived and used, meeting efficiency and decarbonization targets across economic sectors, and building a sustainable market that strategically deploys public funding to unlock private investment.

ILF’s Management Consulting Unit Austria (MCU), together with ILF Uzbekistan, is leading the charge. By combining technical expertise with high-level advisory, the team contributes to:

• • • • Policy design and regulatory reform
      • Strategic planning and investment preparation
      • Capacity building across the energy efficiency value chain

The mission: turn a Presidential Resolution into action and set the pace for structured, impactful energy reform across the region.

A Strategic Roadmap for Impact:
The program follows a phased, comprehensive approach:

• 1) Strategy Review – Aligning Uzbekistan’s policies with international best practices
• 2) Institutional Strengthening – Establishing a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) within MOEF, supported by MCU’s advisory team
• 3) Public Buildings First – Developing an ESCO and Super-ESCO market to deliver at least 15% energy savings in the public building sector by 2030
• 4) Scaling to Industry & Infrastructure – Expanding efficiency measures to water, transport, energy, and manufacturing sectors
• 5) SOEs Transformation – Auditing and optimizing state-owned enterprises for efficiency gains and investment readiness
• 6) Long-Term Decarbonization Strategy – Creating a financing and policy framework to support Uzbekistan’s climate commitments

The first pilot covers the nationwide retrofitting of 192 public assets across 13 regions. Lessons learned will be applied to approximately 48,000 assets over the longer term, with the support from international financial institutions.

What this means for ILF?
This is more than just a project— it is a statement of ILF’s expanding role as a strategic advisory partner on the international stage. ILF’s MCU is not just supporting clients; it is shaping national energy policies and driving investment frameworks. This positions ILF as a key player in the global energy efficiency and decarbonization movement.

Looking Ahead:
The Uzbekistan program is only the beginning. With this initiative as a model, ILF is well positioned to expand its advisory role in other regions. The expertise we build here will define our future engagements and reinforce ILF’s reputation as a global leader in energy efficiency advisory.

ILF Consulting Engineers carried out an alternatives study to identify the optimal location for a new desalination plant in northern Chile, including the associated marine facilities and an inert material disposal site.

Our approach was based on three key pillars:

• • • • Data-driven Insights: We reviewed client-provided assessments and integrated archaeological and community studies, identifying key findings to minimize potential interferences. Official datasets from multiple sources (Geoportal SIMBIO, IDE Chile, Sernageomin, CIREN, among others) were consolidated into a QGIS platform for comprehensive analysis and visualization.
      • Multidisciplinary Expertise: Through the combination of knowledge of different disciplines, the study enabled a detailed understanding of the identified interferences and guided the selection of locations with the lowest environmental impact – both onshore and offshore.
      • Collaborative Evaluation: Together with the Client, we conducted multi-criteria workshops to define the most suitable alternative, considering hydraulic, civil, environmental, community, and economic aspects.

This project reflects ILF’s commitment to deliver alternative studies with a multidisciplinary vision, reliable data, and effective communication – reducing uncertainty and paving the way for successful project implementation.

Industrial hydrogen projects often face the same challenge: integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure—efficiently, safely, and sustainably. ILF is currently tackling exactly that in collaboration with Motor Oil Hellas (MOH) in Greece.
At the heart of the project is a 50 MW pressurized alkaline electrolyzer, commissioned to METACON and powered by renewable energy sources. The required water is supplied via the refinery’s internal network, where it is treated and demineralized. The renewable hydrogen will serve various purposes, such as mobility and other industrial applications (e.g., the production of sustainable fuels).
First project of its kind in Greece
The initiative has been awarded €111.7 million in state aid, approved by the European Commission under the Recovery and Resilience Facility—a strong signal of its strategic importance for decarbonizing industry and mobility in the region.

ILF’s role in the project includes:

• • • • FEED engineering for the electrolyzer and auxiliary systems
      • Tender support for the electrolyzer package and EPCM works
      • HAZOP & SIL workshops to ensure operational safety and integrity
      • Balance of plant design for utilities: water, power, and ancillary systems

“We are working at the intersection of traditional industrial infrastructure and new hydrogen technology—with all the challenges that come with it.”– George Mykoniatis, ILF-Project Manager

The use of gritting salt by ASFINAG, Austria’s national highway operator, for winter road maintenance causes severe pollution of surface runoff. Conventional technologies to treat this runoff are not sufficient, making extensive structural measures a necessity.

In a feasibility study initiated by ILF Austria and carried out in collaboration with ASFINAG, reverse osmosis was investigated as a possible method of desalinating runoff. The results were so promising that further tests were intiated together with ASFINAG. At the same time, the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) evaluated electrodialysis as an alternative techology. As a result, both the TU Wien and ILF were awarded a research contract to test both methods in an existing basin for the S10 highway.

The ILF Water & Environment team played a key role in the development of the pilot plant, which was successfully implemented despite the typical challenges associated with prototypes. The plant will be intensively tested over the next two winters to resolve operational issues and provide a sound basis for future decisions.

The aim is to avoid the environmentally damaging disposal of saline runoff and to reuse recovered brine for winter road maintenance – a sustainable and innovative approach to solving this environmental problem.

The RecyCl Pilot Project is a pioneering initiative in sustainable water management, transforming saline road runoff into reusable de-icing brine for winter road maintenance. This first-of-its-kind facility at the Lest Watercourse Protection Facility near Freistadt, Austria, minimizes chloride pollution and supports a circular economy approach in road maintenance.

The project in detail:

The Client: ASFINAG’s Commitment to Sustainability

ASFINAG (Autobahnen- und Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-Aktiengesellschaft), Austria’s national highway operator, is responsible for Austria’s road network planning, maintenance and tolling. Through the RecyCl Pilot Project, ASFINAG reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and resource conservation.

The Innovative Solution: Circular Brine Recovery

The project recovers de-icing brine from runoff, reducing the need for the procurement and transport of salt. The treatment process involves:

• • • • Removal of coarse particles
      • Oxidation and prefiltration to remove iron and manganese
      • Nanofiltration to remove fine particles and organic molecules
      • Reverse osmosis and electrodialysis for the concentration and purification of brine

This advanced desalination technology ensures safe brine reuse and reduces chloride levels in the discharged water to below 150 mg/L.

Technical Implementation and Operation

The facility comprises three winterproof containers:

• • • • Container 1 (20 feet): prefiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis
      • Container 2 (20 feet): electrodialysis system
      • Container 3 (10 feet): Control unit

The plant is designed for operation in winter, is frost-proof and has a capacity of 1.0 m³/h.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

The project recovers de-icing brine from runoff, reducing the need for the procurement and transport of salt. The treatment process involves:

• • • • Reduced chloride pollution for the protection of natural water bodies
      • Conservation of resources, reduction of salt production and transport emissions
      • Sustainable circular economy approach, setting new standards for road maintenance

A Model for the Future

The RecyCl Pilot Project is a major step forward in water conservation, pollution reduction and sustainable road management, paving the way for a more eco-conscious and resource-efficient future.

ILF’s Involvement

ILF’s team in Austria is acting as the Owner’s Engineer, delivering the following services:

• • • • Initial phase: Study, water analytics and evaluation
      • Concept phase: Concept development, preparation of tender documents and support of the client during contract award
      • Construction phase: PMC services, detailed design review and EPC support with technical issues including commissioning and test run
      • Pilot test – phase 1: technical support during pilot testing and test adaptation

ILF is proud to be part of this innovative and challenging project, bringing its expertise to help deliver ambitious and forward-thinking solutions.

Climate neutral hydrogen needs the right infrastructure – and a key milestone has been reached: Last summer the planning approval application for the 16.5 km MOSAHYC hydrogen pipeline between Leidingen on the German-French border and Dillingen in southwestern Germany was submitted digitally to officials at the Oberbergamt Saarland.

The DN600 pipeline, featuring three valve stations and a pigging station, connects the French NaTran hydrogen network with the German network and will supply the Dillinger Hütte steel plant with climate neutral hydrogen in future. The project thus makes an important contribution to the cross-border hydrogen supply and the decarbonization of industry – an additional building block for a sustainable energy supply in Europe.

ILF has been involved in the project from the very beginning: After the feasibility study and spatial planning procedure, the planning approval process has now been successfully completed. Together with Creos, the next step is the tendering of pipework and civil engineering works. Construction is scheduled to start approximately 10–12 months after receiving the planning approval decision.

“Collaboration with Creos and all involved partners was excellent. Only through this close exchange across borders were we able to successfully complete the planning approval process,” says Markus Rieder, Project Manager at ILF.

Together with Amprion GmbH, the ARGE R-M-L—comprised of ILF Consulting Engineers Germany and Arcadis Germany—is entering the next phase of the Rhein-Main Link (RML): execution planning (Phase 3) for one of the most significant infrastructure projects of the energy transition.

Starting in 2033, the RML will transport up to 8 gigawatts of wind power from the north to consumption centers in the south—via four projects, at a voltage of 525 kV and with a total length of over 600 kilometers. This project will make a crucial contribution to energy security and achieving climate targets.
Following the identification of the preferred corridor and the preliminary design planning, Phase 3—execution planning—now begins. This marks a key milestone and provides the foundation for the future construction of the Rhein-Main Link.

“The energy transition will only succeed with innovative solutions in grid expansion. With the execution planning for the Rhein-Main Link, we are laying the foundation for a secure, climate-friendly energy supply in Germany.” – Marcus Herrmann, Managing Director, ILF-GER

“The Rhein-Main Link is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the DACH region—exciting, challenging, and a true milestone for the energy transition. With the start of Phase 3, the critical stage of execution planning begins.” – Martin Pehm, Overall Project Manager, ARGE R-M-L

ILF has commenced work on a feasibility study for a heat recovery installation at the Qemetica Soda Polska S.A. plant in Inowrocław. The aim of this project is to utilize the heat contained in so-called post-distillation sludges.

These sludges, reaching temperatures of up to 105°C and previously treated as waste, can now become a source of energy for the municipal district heating network and the plant’s internal heating system.

As a result:

• • • • the plant’s energy efficiency will increase,
      • CO₂ emissions will be reduced,
      • the development of a circular economy will be supported.

The estimated capacity of the new installation is 12 MWt, which translates to approximately 280,000 GJ of heat delivered annually.

ILF is proud to announce that it has been commissioned to design FREVAR KF’s new biogas upgrading plant. The project covers the disciplines of construction, mechanical and electrical engineering as well as technical safety. Frevar is one of Norway’s most exciting environmental companies, highly committed to sustainable development and environmentally friendly energy.

We are greatly honored to be part of this exciting project. The first visit and inspection of the plant were a great success, with a positive atmosphere among everyone involved. Our colleagues in the Norwegian ILF office are looking forward to joining forces with Frevar and the other project participants to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that will contribute to a greener future!

Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP) has entered into an agreement with a consortium led by Masdar — comprising OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE), Al Khadra Partners, and Korea Midland Power Co. Ltd. (KOMIPO) — to develop Ibri III Solar, the Sultanate of Oman’s first utility-scale solar project featuring integrated battery storage.

The Ibri III Solar Project will combine a 500 MW solar PV plant with a 100 MWh battery energy storage system.

Once operational, the project will:

• • • • Supply clean electricity to approximately 33,000 homes
      • Prevent more than 505,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually
      • Contribute to Oman’s target of generating 30% of electricity from renewables by 2030
      • Advance Oman Vision 2040 and the ambition of Net Zero by 2050

At ILF, we are honored to play a pivotal role in this landmark project. Our scope of work includes site selection studies, training, environmental authority approvals, and technical advisory services, helping ensure the project’s success from concept through execution. Services will be delivered by our offices in the United Arab Emirates and Germany.

This agreement marks a major milestone in regional collaboration and underscores strong investor confidence in Oman’s sustainable future.

The Swiss Canton of Bern is pursuing ambitious energy and climate goals that require a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen is set to become a key element of the future energy supply—especially in sectors that are difficult to electrify.
Against this backdrop, ILF Consulting Engineers in Germany, together with ILF Consulting Engineers in Switzerland, have been commissioned to conduct a study that examines the framework conditions and potential of hydrogen in the Canton of Bern. The study will serve as a strategic guideline for policymakers, public authorities, industry, and other stakeholders.

The study will provide insights into:

• • • • Future hydrogen demand in industry and transportation, including the identification of relevant demand and supply clusters
      • Scenarios for hydrogen production, transport, and usage, including integration with existing and planned infrastructure
      • Derivation of necessary infrastructure measures and spatial planning requirements
      • A strategic master plan with prioritized action areas and a roadmap for introducing hydrogen in the Canton of Bern

By launching this initiative, the Canton of Bern is taking a forward-thinking role in driving the national hydrogen agenda and promoting a sustainable, low-emission energy future.

A record-breaking horizontal drilling operation has been carried out under the River Vistula in Poland as part of the construction of the Gardeja–Kolnik section of the Gustorzyn–Wicko gas pipeline – an important part of GAZ-SYSTEM’s Floating Storage and Regasification Unit program.

To minimize the impact on the environment, the section of the pipeline running under the River Vistula has been laid using #DirectPipe technology. With a length of 1,000 m and a diameter of 1,000 mm, the underground river crossing is the longest horizontal section to be drilled in this project, and also the second longest section to be drilled along the entire 250-kilometer gas pipeline route from Gustorzyn to Gdansk.

In early summer of this year, a site visit was held in Pastwa, in the municipality of Kwidzyn, to showcase the precision drilling control system and pipe thruster used for the pipe installation.

ILF prepared the design documentation for this project and has also been commissioned to carry out author’s supervision during the construction of the onshore gas pipeline sections.

A project with real depth – in every sense of the word: With the construction of the new Laufzorn II geothermal plant, Erdwärme Grünwald is setting new benchmarks for the supply of sustainable heating in the Munich area. From the feasibility study through to the tendering process, ILF is supporting the project as the general planner for the above ground facility.

What’s behind the Laufzorn II project?
Since 2012, the existing Laufzorn I plant has been supplying the region with geothermal heat. Laufzorn II will now create a second site, featuring three hydrothermal doublets – in other words, six deep wells that extract and reinject thermal water from depths of up to 4,000 meters.

The new facility will be built on an operational site in the Grünwalder Forest. The extraction temperature of the thermal water is expected to be approximately 130 °C, corresponding to a conservatively estimated total thermal output of 70 MW.

The client defines ILF’s role as general planner for the above ground facility to be comprehensive. From conceptual and permitting design through tendering, ILF is responsible for the entire interdisciplinary planning of the above ground facility.

The facility includes:

• • • • A pump building with electrical headworks
      • A separate L-shaped heat exchanger and filter building
      • Optional expansions

Special emphasis is placed on:

• Modularity: The plant should enable optimal interconnection of the three doublets
• Safety: Explosion protection, fire safety, noise control, and environmental requirements are integral components of the design
• Additional sustainability: A photovoltaic system with up to 115 kWp is being planned

Construction of the above ground facility is scheduled to begin in 2027.
More information about the project: : Laufzorn II – Erdwärme Grünwald

In 2005, a consortium under the leadership of ACWA Power received the contract for the Shoaiba Phase 2 integrated power generation and seawater desalination facility in Saudi Arabia. ILF’s role as Technical Advisor on this landmark project marked a successful entry into the new business field of seawater desalination — a sector that has since developed very positively and holds great promise for the future.

The Shoaiba Phase 2 project is another example of how ILF strategically expanded its portfolio through its own initiative.

ILF had made upfront investments at its own expense, gathering knowledge and building expertise in this potential new business area. In this case, the work took the form of consultancy services provided to the founder of ACWA Power, Mr. Mohammad A. Abunayyan.

These early efforts also helped establish a relationship of trust with the potential future client, ACWA Power. This trust — along with ILF’s proactive development of expertise — was a key factor in securing the role of Technical Advisor for such a major project, despite having no prior reference in the field.

ILF’s entry into seawater desalination through the Shoaiba Phase 2 project was based on the thermal multi-stage flash (MSF) process, which is highly energy-intensive and today considered outdated. As a result, ILF’s next project — Shuqaiq Phase 2 (also in Saudi Arabia) — already employed the now-standard reverse osmosis process. This marked a true breakthrough in establishing desalination as a new business segment for ILF.

Going forward, ILF will continue to expand its portfolio to offer comprehensive engineering services from a single source and to meet evolving market demands.

We are honored to be part of the world’s largest seawater desalination projects, which will significantly strengthen water security and improve the quality of life for over 4 million people across the Basra Governorate. With a total capacity of 1 million cubic meters per day, this megaproject represents a critical step in advancing Iraq’s strategic infrastructure and sustainable development goals.

ILF UAE’s Business Development Director, Thamer Shawabkeh, had the privilege of attending the foundation stone ceremony, held under the patronage of H.E. Prime Minister Mr. Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and H.E. Governor of Basrah Mr. Asaad Al Eidani, near the Grand Faw Port in Basra.

Our management’s presence at the ceremony reflects ILF strong commitment to Iraq’s strategic infrastructure and local partnerships.
We are proud to be entrusted with the Project Development, Engineering, and Site Supervision Services for this flagship desalination initiative — a vital step toward strengthening water security and improving quality of life in southern Iraq.

At ILF we are planning and designing the upgrade of a compressor station in Tangier for our client OMCO. The aim of this project is to make the Maghreb–Europe gas pipeline fully bidirectional, enabling an increase in gas imports from Spain to Morocco in the future.

The upgrade will involve reversing the flow direction at the compressor station in Tangier. In addition, two power plants – located in Tahaddart and Al Wahda – will be connected to the system to ensure a steady supply of natural gas. This project marks the beginning of a new chapter in securing Morocco’s future gas supply while also strengthening the energy connectivity between Europe and the Maghreb region.

Our services include:
➡️ Detailed design
➡️ Procurement and purchasing
➡️ Supervision of construction and installation works including commissioning

What can be expected in the following months:
The project has a very ambitious schedule and requires a high degree of technical and logistical planning. At ILF, we are also responsible for coordinating the procurement of all essential components – a key task that calls for close collaboration with suppliers and partners alike.
We look forward to reaching the next milestones in this project and to continuing our close cooperation with OMCO.

With only 61 m³ of renewable freshwater per capita in 2021, Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. Overuse of water resources and the effects of climate change have increased pressure on the country’s water resources in recent decades. At the same time, population growth has been very high. The worsening climate crisis and projected continued population growth have the potential to dramatically exacerbate the water crisis facing the country unless comprehensive action is taken.

As part of the Adaptation to Climate Change II Programme to help the Kingdom of Jordan to adapt to the increasing water shortage, the German Development Bank KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau) is providing financial support to rehabilitate irrigation infrastructure in the Jordan Valley. The project also receives financial support from the EU.

The Jordan Valley is a “natural greenhouse” and delivers 70% of the country’s total agricultural production. The Jordan Valley Authority (JVA) manages and protects water and land resources as well as their supporting infrastructure in the Jordan Valley.

The goal of the project is to rehabilitate more than 520 km of pipe networks for distribution of irrigation water, and thus improve the efficiency of the Jordan valley irrigation system by reducing leakage and energy demand for distribution. Furthermore, a new 30,000 m³ storage reservoir (financed by EU funds) shall increase the flexibility and resilience of the irrigation system. Overall, the measures will allow for improved irrigation water management and increase the productivity of farmlands cultivated by the local population.

In a Joint Venture together with our Partner Engicon, ILF was contracted by the JVA as a consultant for design, tendering and site supervision of the project. We are currently completing the detail design phase and are looking forward to taking the next steps toward the implementation of this important project.

ILF is committed to a sustainable future not only through our projects but also by actively implementing this vision at our own headquarters. An innovative energy project is currently being implemented at the ILF Group office in Rum near Innsbruck (Austria), aimed at significantly reducing Scope 1 emissions — the direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company.

“With this project, we’re making a strong statement for climate action and energy efficiency — precisely where we can make the most direct impact,” emphasizes ILF CEO Klaus Lässer. “As engineers, our goal is not only to develop sustainable solutions for our clients but also to put them into practice within our own operations.”

Until now, our office building in Rum has been heated with two natural gas boilers. The new system combines various energy sources and technologies into an intelligent, future-oriented overall concept.

At the heart of the system is a brine-to-water heat pump, which uses both geothermal energy and waste heat to efficiently heat the building. This is complemented by a PVT system, which generates both electricity and heat from sunlight and primarily serves to regenerate the geothermal probe field during summer. Additionally, waste heat from the server and technical rooms is also utilized.

To meet the increased energy demand of the heat pump and accommodate potential future expansion of the charging infrastructure, smart load and energy management are utilized alongside targeted upgrades to the site’s electricity supply.

A particular highlight of the project is the geothermal probe field: 54 boreholes surrounding the office building reach depths of up to 150 meters. At this depth, temperatures remain constant year-round, making them ideal for heat extraction and supplying the brine circuit of the heat pump.

This transition is expected to save approximately 124 tons of CO₂ annually — equivalent to about one-third of ILF Austria’s total Scope 1 emissions in 2024 (covering heating, cooling, and company vehicles). An investment of over €2 million is being made in this project. Work is progressing on schedule, with completion planned for May 2026.

“Sustainability means taking responsibility — technologically, economically, and ecologically,” adds Lässer. “The new energy system in Rum is another step on our path to Net Zero and shows how engineering and sustainability go hand in hand.”

Last week, ILF Consulting Engineers proudly launched the 2025 International Trainee Program (ITP) in Munich, Germany. ✨

This year, 12 trainees representing seven ILF offices around the world joined the program – a wonderful reflection of ILF’s international spirit and dedication to developing global talent.
The four-day kick-off event offered a great mix of professional learning, networking, and fun, including:

• • • • Engaging sessions with CEO Klaus Lässer, Marcus Herrmann (Managing Director, ILF Germany), and ILF co-founder Adolf Feizlmayr
      • Inspiring workshops that encouraged collaboration, leadership, and personal growth
      • Exciting visits to BMW World and Museum, plus an Ice Disco with the Club of Young Engineers
      • A lively Munich scavenger hunt that brought teamwork and fun to the streets of the city

We would like to congratulate all trainees and wish them an exciting and rewarding two-year journey filled with growth, learning, and international experiences! 🌟

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the ILF Germany team for their warm hospitality and excellent organization that made this Kick-Off truly special.

The ILF International Trainee Program is designed to prepare young, motivated professionals for future challenges while enhancing both their technical and personal development. Over two years, trainees complete two international assignments at different ILF offices, promoting collaboration, innovation, and the ONE ILF spirit.💙

Taking responsibility for each and every ILF employee and those within our value chain is a key part of our corporate values. Alongside this, we contribute to the well-being of the communities in which we operate, making regular donations to charitable organizations worldwide, and supporting ILF employees who engage in voluntary work with the fire department, emergency services, charitable organizations and similar bodies.

Colleagues at all ILF offices around the world are also encouraged to actively engage in a wide range of initiatives that have a positive impact on society. Some of these initiatives are detailed below, demonstrating the dedication ILF-ers have to both improving the well-being of communities and the environment in which we live.

Blood Donation Drives

Every day, people depend on donated blood for recovery and survival. Recognizing the vital role that blood donations play in saving lives, our colleagues at our Canadian office regularly donate blood to Canadian Blood Services and our colleagues in Austria open their office doors to the Red Cross every year to host a blood drive.

Educational Support to Prepare Others for the Future

By supporting educational opportunities and providing equal access to digital resources, ILF is empowering young people to shape our future. One of the educational-related initiatives we have in place is the Adolf Feizlmayr Foundation. Established by one of our founders, this foundation grants university scholarships to students in Germany and Austria. Similarly, our office in Kazakhstan sponsors scholarships for students at three of the country’s universities, aiding their professional development and career prospects. In an effort to help tackle inequalities in access to technology, ILF Austria also donates used and refurbished laptops to school pupils in need.

Community Engagement

For a number of years now, our colleagues in Poland have been supporting a local orphanage. Recently, members of the Club of Young Engineers in Poland organized an excursion for the children living in the orphanage, providing them with a unique experience outside of their everyday surroundings. Similarly, our colleagues in Canada have been engaging in community projects, spending time preparing and serving meals at a homeless shelter and assisting at an emergency shelter for families. These actions demonstrate the importance that we place on the well-being of local communities and our commitment to social engagement.

Environmental Conservation Efforts

Tree-planting campaigns organized by our colleagues in Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan and Romania combine team building with environmental protection. These efforts are complemented by beach and river clean-ups carried out by our colleagues in both Saudi Arabia and Canada, who have joined forces at their respective office locations to help preserve biodiversity and public spaces. These activities reflect the determination of ILF employees to play an active role in protecting the environment on both a professional and community level.

We are proud to announce that Klaus Lässer, CEO of ILF Consulting Engineers, has been awarded the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2025 in the category “Services”!

This prestigious honor was presented on October 17th at the Hofburg in Vienna, marking the 20th anniversary of the award in Austria. Klaus Lässer will also represent Austria at the EY World Entrepreneur Of Year Award 2026 in Monaco.

Klaus Lässer leads ILF in its second generation and is committed to making the company net zero by 2040. With over 3,500 employees across 45+ locations, ILF is a globally active, independent engineering and consulting firm. We support clients worldwide in developing and implementing complex infrastructure and industrial projects—especially in energy and climate protection, water and environment, transport and urban spaces, and resources and sustainable industry.

Initiated in 2020, the 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀𝘂𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 (𝗕𝗚𝗣𝗣) in the Surkhandarya region, Uzbekistan, is a strategic project for ILF and is being carried out under a large-scale PMC contract with the 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆. The plant will produce clean sweet gas for residential and commercial use, and the project underscores ILF’s expertise in managing complex developments. An essential aspect of the PMC scope is the presence of QC inspectors and commissioning engineers on site to ensure seamless construction and completion phases.

In March 2025, Christian Heinz (Member of the ILF Group Management Board) and Ghaleb Hussein (ILF Uzbekistan PMC Leader) visited the project site of 𝗕𝗚𝗣𝗣, where they met with ILF’s HSE Manager, Kanat Bissekenov, the ILF team and the Client.

These site visits, which take place nearly twice a year, provide an opportunity to engage with ILF personnel, address their concerns, and gain insight into the latest project updates. They also serve to assess ongoing activities and evaluate progress firsthand. Given the site’s proximity to well drilling operations with non-associated gas containing 70,000 ppm H2S, safety remains a paramount concern. Continuous site inspections by ILF management reaffirm the company’s commitment to ensuring safe working conditions and fostering a strong working relationship with the team.

On September 29, 2025, the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the food supply facility at the Donaustadt hospital (Vienna / AUT) marked a major step forward in modernizing catering services for the North-East region of the Vienna Health Association (WiGev). Once operational in December 2027, the facility will deliver over 13,500 meals daily to two hospitals and one nursing home – substantially improving service capacity and reliability for the local healthcare infrastructure.

The new facility, which will replace the clinic’s existing kitchen, spans approximately 9,000 m² and includes production and dishwashing areas, administrative offices, and workspaces for dietetics. Sustainability measures include a fully equipped photovoltaic roof and extensive greenery throughout the facility.

Since October 2022, ILF has been responsible for overall planning management. In this role, ILF has coordinated all specialist disciplines – from architectural design and structural engineering to building services and kitchen planning – starting with the feasibility study.

Fire protection planning was carried out by Thomas Greuter (Project Manager at ILF-AUT).

“The KDO SPN project is one of the first hospital projects under the framework agreement launched in 2020 that we have the opportunity to support through to execution,” says Patrick Sperl, project manager. “I am especially pleased that we were able to demonstrate our reliability to the client and have stood by their side as a conscientious and resilient partner since the project’s development phase.”

Emphasizing sustainability, efficiency, and regional service capacity, the new facility represents a forward-looking investment in the future of public health infrastructure.

Image: Copyright_Architektur Consult ZT GmbH

We are proud to announce that the ILF Group has been honored with the prestigious Austria’s Leading Companies (ALC) Award 2025 for the Tyrol region in the “Large Concerns” category!

The award ceremony took place in Austria, where our CEO Klaus Lässer accepted the prize with a clear message, “I am proud of this recognition and I hope our employees are too – because it is thanks to them that we won this award.”
Now in its 27th year, the ALC Award is based on a proven and objective evaluation model developed by PwC Austria and KSV1870. The assessment focuses on key performance indicators from the past three financial years, placing strong emphasis on corporate stability and quality.

This recognition reflects the dedication, expertise, and resilience of our entire team.
A thanks to everyone who made this possible!

Clean PV energy is generated in Goaltore – under challenging conditions and with a strategic vision in mind.
It is  the biggest solar park built in East India, with a size of approx. 245 hectares – generating an output of 112.5 MWac. Since November 2024, the plant is officially in operation. The government of West Bengal has already decided to expand the solar park by another 100 MW – clearly showing the success and the strategic relevance of this project.

Initiated by the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL), the project is not only meant to strengthen the regional power supply, but it should also contribute significantly to the energy transition in India. The technical complexity of the project is both challenging and exciting.

The goal is to increase the amount of renewable energy and to strengthen the energy supply security in India. However, countless challenges complicated this project: a fragmented construction area, a remote site location and the coordination of local conditions, efficiency, and safety.

Despite these challenging conditions, it was possible to build an efficient and stable PV plant. This was achieved through:

• High energy yields with low space requirements, thanks to fixed PV modules in an east-west orientation
• Consistent Remote Monitoring System
• Lifecycle support provided by our experts, including EPC contract negotiation, technical design review, design review and site supervision as well as operation and maintenance supervision

Thanks to the strong technical support during all phases and a proactive plant layout, the Goaltore solar park contributes significantly to the energy transition in India – while providing a previously undersupplied region with a constant supply of stable and clean energy. ILF is proud to be part of this project that includes an EPC contract, technical design vetting, construction supervision, monitoring of operations and maintenance, and remote monitoring systems for operational control.

We are pleased to announce that ILF has been entrusted with providing technical support services for the Commissioning Stage of the Sistema Agua Desalinizada Distrito Norte (SADDN), which includes the Marine Works, Desalination Plant, and Product Water Pumping System in Northern Chile, developed by Aguas Horizonte. The technical support service covers the stages of pre-commissioning, commissioning, ramp-up, and performance testing.

This a key project for Aguas Horizonte, supporting its client’s sustainability strategy by supplying desalinated water to reduce reliance on continental water sources in copper mining operations..

ILF’s scope also includes the technical review of documentation associated with the Commissioning Stage, ensuring the correct execution of on-site tests and proper document handover.

This tender award reinforces ILF’s commitment to the development of critical and sustainable infrastructure for the mining industry in Chile, contributing our technical expertise and multidisciplinary approach to highly complex projects.

We appreciate our client’s confidence in our team and reaffirm our commitment to contributing to the success of this project.

The ‘Green Ammonia Linz – GrAmLi’ initiative was designed to bring about a fundamental shift in industrial production at the Linz site in Austria. The project envisioned a large-scale electrolysis plant producing green hydrogen to replace fossil natural gas in ammonia production, cutting up to 90,000 tons of CO₂ annually—a major step toward decarbonizing the chemical industry.

Although the project will not move forward under the present economic conditions, it has yielded important lessons for upcoming transformation initiatives.

At the heart of the initiative stood the development and complete integration of a 60‑megawatt PEM electrolysis facility at LAT Nitrogen in Linz Chemical Park. The green hydrogen generated was intended as a feedstock for ammonia production, replacing the natural gas‐ based process and enabling significant CO₂ reductions in downstream products such as melamine and fertilizers.
Oxygen and heat, generated as by-products of electrolysis, were planned for immediate use on site, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the production process.

One of the central innovations lay in this integrated approach: a 60 MW industrial-scale PEM electrolysis plant embedded within an industrial production environment, directly linked to ammonia synthesis and by-product recovery. This concept moved beyond simple technology substitution, redefining the entire process chain.

ILF supported the project through several phases: from concept development and feasibility study to Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), permitting documentation, and the EPC tendering phase.

Gas networks are one of the largest sources of CO₂ emissions in energy infrastructure. Therefore, reducing carbon emissions in gas networks is an important measure for meeting national and international climate targets. With gas compressor stations accounting for a large share of operational emissions, modernizing these facilities is critical to accelerating the energy transition.

The Target: 50% Emissions Reduction by 2030

That’s why Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) has launched a major decarbonization initiative: the goal is to cut emissions by 50% compared to 2010 levels by 2030, and to be climate neutral by 2050. A big milestone on this path is reducing emissions at the compressor stations in Beattock and Brighouse Bay, located in the South of Scotland. These two stations form the South West Scotland Onshore System (SWSOS) – a central part of GNI’s infrastructure for transporting natural gas from the UK to Ireland via a dedicated pipeline system. In 2010, the gas turbines at these stations accounted for approximately 57% of GNI’s total carbon footprint.

Upgrading to Electric Compressor Units

The SWSOS Decarbonization Project aims to increase the sustainability and efficiency of gas networks by integrating advanced technologies and methodologies to reduce the carbon footprint. This involves close collaboration with various partners to ensure the project’s successful execution.

Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) is taking an important step towards net zero and, together with ILF and ARUP, is modernizing their major compressor stations.

In collaboration with ARUP, we have been tasked by GNI to provide engineering and consultancy services for modernizing the two compressor stations in Scotland with new electrically driven compressor units and the necessary auxiliary systems. In the previous phase, we and ARUP assessed and validated technical options. We are now in the concept & preliminary design phase, benchmarking technologies and estimating costs to support GNI in making informed decisions.

Our Contribution: Engineering Expertise for Low-Carbon Infrastructure

By contributing our technical expertise and forward-thinking solutions, we pave the way for more sustainable gas infrastructure. and helped GNI on their way to a climate-neutral future.

ILF is preparing a feasibility study for the “Pomeranian Green Hydrogen Cluster” project on behalf of GAZ-SYSTEM, a Polish grid operator.

The possibility of constructing a hydrogen network to transport green hydrogen from renewable energy sources to consumers in Poland and Germany will be analyzed. These energy sources include newly designed wind farms and solar parks located in West Pomerania (the West Pomeranian Voivodeship).

Due to the industrial activities in the area, the planned hydrogen infrastructure will be a key element in achieving decarbonization.

The UNDP (United Nations Development Program) is committed to supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific in achieving a green transformation to enhance resilience against climate change and promote a clean energy future. We are proud to have contributed to one of UNDP’s projects in South East Asia. ILF supported the island state of Timor-Leste in increasing its renewable energy use and reducing reliance on diesel fuel, particularly in rural areas.

The project, implemented in Ainaro, Manatuto, and Manufahi, will provide reliable power to two community health centers and 15 schools. This vital infrastructure has had a profound impact on the lives of thousands of residents.

After a thorough site assessment, ILF designed a solar power system that met the specific needs of each location. During the site visits, our engineers evaluated technical requirements, including building measurements, shading, and solar irradiance, while also creating reports and 3D models using software like PV Syst. After completing the data collection, the team finalized the study, calculating power needs and developing a schedule for the technical design, including detailed drawings and a bill of quantities for the PV modules, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and related structural, civil, and electrical works.

A BESS was integrated to ensure continuous power supply, even during cloudy weather or at night. This allows for power shifting, optimizing energy distribution throughout the day. The system can operate in two modes: directly from the solar modules or drawing from the BESS. To minimize costs and reduce the number of required inverters, ILF implemented hybrid inverters. This innovative technology enables efficient DC-AC conversion from both the solar modules and BESS, as well as AC-DC conversion from the grid to the BESS during periods of low solar generation. This approach aligns with the project’s goal of providing sustainable and cost-effective power to schools and health posts while leveraging public funds effectively.

We successfully completed the project ahead of schedule, demonstrating our commitment to efficient and effective implementation. By providing reliable electricity, we have empowered schools to extend their operating hours, allowing students to study longer. Additionally, the health centers can now offer essential medical services around the clock, improving access to healthcare for all. These positive impacts have significantly enhanced the quality of life for residents in these communities.

We thank our partner PT Amythas for collaborating with us on this truly remarkable project.

One of the first industrial-scale electrolyzer facilities in Germany is being built in Emden – a decisive step towards the energy transition.
On behalf of EWE , ILF is implementing a 320 MW plant on the outskirts of town. It is part of the large-scale project “Clean Hydrogen Coastline” funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, with which EWE is establishing a hydrogen value chain – from production, storage and transport to the use of green hydrogen. The program includes projects that are already being implemented today and are playing an important role in the development of a hydrogen economy in northern Germany.

With a planned annual production of around 26,000 tons of green hydrogen, the production plant in Emden shall contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gases from 2027 on. This amount could save around 800,000 tons of CO2 per year in the steel industry alone.

Given the short design period, this project is particularly ambitious, but it also offers the opportunity to apply valuable knowhow acquired in previous projects. Our role as prime consultant goes beyond simply providing technical expertise: It includes proactive interface management and established processes from a large number of national and international hydrogen projects. The project team is headed by André Herbst and Dr. Tobias Esser from our office in Hamburg, Germany.

ILF project manager André Herbst:
“Germany currently has a electrolyzer capacity of just 174 MW. What we are planning and building is a bold and major step towards the transformation of our economy to a fossil-free future. I am delighted and motivated by the opportunity to contribute to this project together with my dedicated colleagues.”

EWE project manager Kerstin Kuwan:
“We are actively shaping the energy transition. This is what motivates us every day. Hydrogen is a real game changer because it can store energy from renewable sources, stabilize the grid and ensure industrial value creation. When we look back on our project in Emden in a few years’ time, we will know that we have built something really important here.”

The project in Emden is the first of four sub-projects planned in the framework of the “Clean Hydrogen Coastline” initiative. The aim is to establish a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem along the northwest German coast.
We are looking forward to making use of our competence in the next project phases.

Photocredit:EWE

ILF will contribute to the next phase of the largest pipeline development in the history of the Republic of Kazakhstan: the Beineu‑Bozoy‑Shymkent Gas Pipeline. For more than 14 years, ILF has been the key consulting and engineering company for the implementation of this project.

Now, ILF has been selected as trusted partner for the execution of the Front‑End Engineering Design (FEED) and Detailed Design services for the next development phase: adding 1,600 km of pipeline and 6 compressor stations.

The expansion of the pipeline system will improve the country’s energy security as well as enable the replacement of coal by gas-fired power plants. This will reduce the CO2 footprint of the country by more than 50 million tons per annum, a significant contribution to limit climate change.

The investment is based on an agreement between QazaqGaz and the Qatari Power International Holding. The Qatari UCC Holding serves as EPC company for the complete investment.

Over recent months, high-level discussions have taken place in Qatar and Kazakhstan, to define the terms, scope of work, a procurement strategy, risk mitigation, and safety measures. As a result, a two day kick-off meeting was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, bringing together 27 senior-level managers from UCC Holding and ILF Consulting Engineers. Christian Heinz, Member of the ILF Group Management Board, personally attended the event in Almaty.

We are proud to announce that the Advanced Digital Infrastructure Consortium (ADI), of which ILF Consulting Engineers is a part, has been chosen to carry out the Site Supervision and Project Management Support for the Melipilla Estación Central Railroad project, specifically for the section “Melipilla Malloco”, promoted by the railroad company “EFE” in Chile.

The project, with an estimated investment of 1.877 billion dollars, spans 61 kilometers, includes 11 stations, and involves the expansion to 2 and 3 tracks in certain sections.

More than one million residents from 8 municipalities in the southwest of the Metropolitan Region in Chile will benefit from this new railroad line, which significantly reduces travel times and improves the general quality of life. Additionally, this mixed-traffic railroad will also modernize freight services.

At ILF, we are pleased to contribute to this system with our extensive experience in large-scale Urban Transportation Engineering and Project Management, working in an excellent and innovative way as well as with a forward-looking vision.

Photocredit: EFE

At the beginning of this year, it was decided that the Axpo Group would build the NalpSolar alpine photovoltaic (PV) plant in the municipality of Tujetsch, Grisons, Switzerland. The facility is part of the Solar Express project and 10% of its planned capacity is expected to be connected to the power grid by the end of 2025. Construction is scheduled to be completed in stages over the coming summer months.

The plant is being constructed at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level. When completed, the plant will have a capacity of around 8 MWp, which will generate around 11 GWh of electricity per year – enough to power around 2,000 households.

We at ILF are responsible for the overall management of the planning and design, the geotechnical engineering, optimization of the steel substructure for the solar panels, construction logistics, alpine engineering and structural engineering (for the technical building) in phases 51–53. Amstein+Walthert AG is responsible for the overall design of the PV plant as well as the HVAC and electrical engineering, and fire protection for the technical building.

We would like to thank the client for the trust they have placed in us and are pleased to be able to make a contribution to the security of electricity supply in Switzerland with this pioneering project.

For further information, please visit the project website.

Photocredit: Axpo Group

The Management Consulting Unit part of ILF Consulting Engineers in the United Arab Emirates, is proud to work as an advisor for the New Urban Communities Authority (#NUCA) – Egypt’s leading authority in planning and developing sustainable cities – to transform how urban developments across the country are planned, managed, commercially structured and financed as well as how asset portfolios can be operated and sustained in a smart way.

As a Strategy Advisor, is delivering expert services in investment and asset management planning, supporting NUCA to unlock long-term value from public infrastructure and urban development projects.

Earlier this year, our colleagues Martin Erath, Bassam Tabibi, and Omar Abdelrahman from ILF MCU joined NUCA in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital for an intensive strategy workshop focused on revolutionizing how urban assets are managed and how future investments are strategically planned – not only for Egypt’s emerging smart cities but also for its existing urban communities.

The excellent teamwork during the management workshop resulted in a strategic plan built on key pillars such as:
– Governance & Modernization (incl. digital transformation)
– Sustainability & Resilience
– Infrastructure & Mobility (incl. smart utilities)
– Community & Livability
– Business Excellence and Service Excellence (incl. competitiveness and collaboration)

This collaboration marks a pivotal step towards building smarter, more resilient cities – guided by data, shaped by strategy, and designed for sustainable growth.
Together, we are writing a bold new chapter for Egypt’s urban development journey.

In December 1995, the Central European Pipeline (MERO) was commissioned. Today, it is considered the sole supply artery for refineries in the Czech Republic. It stands as a significant milestone in ILF’s history, largely due to the broad recognition and commendation for ILF’s outstanding performance on this major and complex infrastructure project.

The project clearly demonstrated ILF’s well-established expertise in pipeline engineering, which was already at a highly advanced level. While no new competencies needed to be developed, ILF’s engineering services – spanning from the initial concept to final commissioning – were widely recognized as exemplary.

For this reason, the project, which is described in detail in the book “50 Years of ILF,” stands as a prime example of engineering excellence and marks a key milestone in the company’s development.

Originally designed to complement the Russian Druzhba pipeline in supplying the Czech refineries in Kralupy and Litvínov, the MERO pipeline gained significant strategic importance after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. For instance, Czech refineries no longer receive crude oil from Russia and are now supplied exclusively via the TAL (Transalpine) and MERO pipelines.

Since its founding in 1967, ILF has been committed to supporting clients in the successful delivery of major projects – providing high-quality, end-to-end services from the initial idea through to completion. The MERO pipeline, which has been reliably supplying the Czech Republic with crude oil for 30 years, is a prime example of this commitment.

The expansion and installation of new equipment at the new Bern Train Station “RBS Tiefbahnhof” is a project requiring our energy and innovative capacity. This strategically significant project is not only a logistical and technical challenge, but also an important milestone for public transport in Bern.

As a partner of the Marti Group, working in a general contractor team, we are helping to optimize the planning and design processes as well as the design coordination in this project through the use of the latest 3D, 4D and 5D BIM technologies. In this way, under the supervision of our PMC department, these processes and coordination can be made more efficient and transparent, ensuring that the desired quality is achieved, that an overview of the costs is kept, and that the schedule is adhered to, so that the project can progress smoothly.
We are working together with the following partners to achieve these goals:

• EPRO TRAFFIC, for expert guidance, commissioning and start-up
• Burkhalter Architekten, for architectural assistance
• Wälchli Architekten, for expertise in fire protection (QSS3 – Swiss Security Standard)

Coordination of the numerous trades involved in this project under challenging conditions – limited space, complex implementation and logistics, demanding architectural specifications and technical requirements – lies at the heart of this project. Together with our partners, we are particularly focused on finding optimal and innovative solutions through effective teamwork, or simply put – on “ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE”. We are not only creating a new train station together, but also a place that meets the needs of today and tomorrow.

A comprehensive master plan lays the foundation for large-scale green ammonia production and export – developed on behalf of MEMR and EBRD.

Jordan is taking decisive steps toward building a green hydrogen economy. At the heart of this ambition lies the development of a large-scale Green Hydrogen Hub in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. The hub is set to become a key export platform for green ammonia – a cornerstone of Jordan’s national hydrogen strategy. The project is led by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) and financially supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). ILF was commissioned to plan the necessary common-use infrastructure (CUI).

The goal: to produce up to 13 million tons of green ammonia per year for export by 2050. To achieve this, a shared infrastructure system is planned that will include facilities for seawater desalination, power transmission, hydrogen processing, ammonia production and storage, as well as expanded port infrastructure.

A 5.5 km² site near the port of Aqaba has already been designated for development. Depending on the project configuration, various options are under consideration. These include centralized vs. decentralized electrolysis, hydrogen pipelines or overhead transmission lines, onshore or offshore desalination plants, and the construction of a new berth for ammonia export.

As part of the planning process, ILF Consulting Engineers developed a detailed infrastructure masterplan on behalf of MEMR and EBRD. In close coordination with the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) and the national grid operator NEPCO, more than sixteen technical and economic infrastructure scenarios were analyzed.

One of the key findings: at higher production volumes, hydrogen pipelines become significantly more cost-effective than conventional transmission lines – with up to 28% lower specific CAPEX per ton of green ammonia by 2050.

The full project summary is available here.

For the improvement of the railway connection between the city of Munich, Munich airport and Landshut, level crossings along the route will be removed. This also concerns Lerchenauer Straße in the northern part of Munich.

As part of the planned construction of an underpass, the existing sewer system located at Lerchenauer Straße has to be re-laid, while railway services continue to operate. The construction of the new sewer system will take place in the groundwater area and under limited space conditions. Works have to be carried out with the highest precision, since the new sewer is to run under the railway tracks, while having an overburden of only about 4 meters. Additionally, the adjacent areas containing a fire department and a sports field as well as the need to protect rare animal species have to be taken into consideration.

The new alignment mostly consists of two parallel running major sewers, built using the micro-tunneling method and of connections to the existing sewer system using the cut-and-cover technique. Furthermore, an additional combined sewer has to be built using the cut-and-cover technique. To keep the sewer operational during the construction period, a functional provisional structure is necessary. Continuous monitoring for settlement control during the advance of the micro tunnel is planned.

As a subcontractor of Schüssler-Plan GmbH, ILF has been commissioned to carry out the design works and structural design for the relocation of the sewer system (service phases 1-6 as per HOAI). ILF assists Munich, the provincial capital of Bavaria, with comprehensive engineering competence in the realization of this complex infrastructure project.

ILF has been contracted to conduct an optimization study for the different configurations that a green ammonia production system of around 1,000,000 metric tons per year could have in Chile. The main objective of this study is to determine the configuration of a green ammonia production system that can achieve the lowest Levelized Cost of Ammonia (LCOA).

The study includes the evaluation of 4 scenarios to determine the optimal system configuration, which consists of a photovoltaic plant with BESS storage, an electrolysis plant for hydrogen production, hydrogen storage, a Haber Bosch (H-B) plant for ammonia production, ammonia storage, and a seaport for ammonia export, as well as a desalination plant, and a water transmission system for the electrolysis process. The project focuses on the analysis of production and storage of both hydrogen and ammonia, as well as on the transport of green molecules and energy, from a photovoltaic generation plant to a seaport.

Photocredit: Adobe Stock

As a part of Ingenieurgemeinschaft Plus+, we are happy to be part of one of Switzerland’s most complex, large-scale projects, carrying out tasks both in project management and site supervision (Operation and Safety Equipment) concerning the subprojects 2 and 3. Lucerne Bypass is of great importance for the greater Lucerne area, as it acts as a connection to the national road. The project encompasses all design services of the operation and safety equipment during the tender and implementation phases of the construction of the new Lucerne Bypass tunnel, as well as for the rehabilitation of two already operating tunnels. The timeframe for the project is from 2025 to 2041.

IG Plus+ unites the in-depth technical expertise of its partners ILF, eyeBq engineering & consulting AG, GESTE Engineering AG, Boess Engineering AG, Boess + Partner AG as well as EPRO TRAFFIC GmbH, and couples this with the experience of key figures involved in various successfully completed, large-scale projects.  We are proud to have gained the trust of the client ASTRA (Zofingen office) and our dedicated team will do everything in its power to meet the high expectations associated with a project like this.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of this contract and look forward to sustainable solutions and exciting challenges ahead.

Photocredit: www.bypasslu.ch

ILF UAE is proud to celebrate a significant milestone in the Construction Services for the Sewerage Network Rehabilitation Program Mainland 7, Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with TAQA-Water Solutions – One Million Safe Man-Hours with Zero Lost Time Incidents (LTI)!

This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and excellence in delivering sustainable and efficient water infrastructure. We deeply appreciate the dedication and collaboration of all stakeholders, partners, and teams who have made this milestone possible.
By upgrading, rehabilitating, and expanding the sewerage network, we are enhancing the wastewater management, reducing the environmental impact, and improving the quality of life for residents.

As the site supervision consultant, ILF UAE ensures that the highest standards in the project execution are achieved, covering:

• The upgrade and rehabilitation of sewer networks across key areas, including Musaffah, Khalifa City, MBZ City, and Yas Island
• The construction of new sewer networks to enhance Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure
• CCTV inspection and network rehabilitation to ensure long-term efficiency

We are excited to continuously deliver safe, innovative, and sustainable solutions that shape the future!

A big step for the energy transition: Esbjerg’s heat pump generates carbon-neutral heat for the first time.
Our partner Everllence (formerly: MAN Energy Solutions) reached an impressive milestone: The first of two industrial-scale heat pumps has successfully been put into operation. We are very proud that we were able to play a vital part in this project, by contributing with our engineering services in the stages of concept design and detailed design.

As emphazised by Bernd Esprester, ILF Project Manager: “This innovative industrial-scale heat pump for the supply of sustainable heat is a trailblazer for urban heat systems. There is a lot that can be learned from it and it should be repeated to achieve a carbon-neutral future, especially in places that can use the sea or rivers to their advantage.”

The Project Highlights:
✅280,000 MWh of carbon-neutral heat annually
✅Heat supply to 25,000 households
✅Savings of 120,000 tons of CO2 annually
✅Largest seawater heat pump worldwide, using CO2 as refrigerating agent

We want to congratulate Everllence (formerly: MAN Energy Solutions) on their success and would like to thank them for the wonderful cooperation. Together, we can drive the energy transition with the help of sustainable and scalable solutions.

Work at the construction site “Gotthard Road Tunnel – 2nd Tunnel Tube in Göschenen” (Switzerland) is progressing at full speed. At the end of 2024, the production of service galleries as well as precast segments has begun on-site for both the north and the south section. This has partially been done with ambitious and innovative approaches for a production underground. Additionally, digitalization and mechanization have improved significantly through the use of robotics. In February 2025, both TBMs have started their approx. 8 km long journey into the mountain.

In the year 2024, both of the executing joint ventures were able to successfully start with the construction of the twin service gallery. Due to the on-site precasting of concrete reinforcements and because of the use of excavation material as aggregate for the concrete, sustainable solutions with minimal distance of transport are possible.

Even though only slightly different geometric formwork is being used, it was possible to implement several solutions for the concrete reinforcement. For the south section, conventional reinforcement cages are used, whereas for the north section, precast hybrid segments with steel fibers are employed.

The unique production sites had to be implemented by the joint venture for the north section. The twin service gallery as well as all of the production of precast segments are placed in already existing underground caverns. This is, due to the very limited space available, a logistic and procedural challenge.

The joint venture Nuovo Gottardo (ILF Consulting Engineers in Switzerland, Lombardi SA, B+S AG Bern Emch+Berger AG Bern) being the “Tunnel project manager”, has been commissioned to carry out all works from the Göschenen portal to the Airolo portal. Warm thanks to the executing joint venture of contract section 241 (Impenia AG and Frutiger AG) as well as the joint venture of contract section 341 (Marti Tunnel AG, Mancini&Marti SA and Ennio Ferrari SA) for the breakthrough of the main tunnel tube.

Through an association of consulting engineers, ILF was awarded the preliminary planning of two important tunnels: Albbruck Tunnel (approx. length: 4 km) and Waldshut Tunnel (approx. length: 6 km). These tunnels are part of the 15 km long section 8/9 “Hauenstein – AS Tiengen/West” of the federal motorway A98 and are closing a gap between two already existing, important route sections.

The A98 motorway, also known as the Hochrheinautobahn (Upper Rhine Motorway), is the only current motorway project in Baden Württemberg, Germany. It should serve as a functional link between the motorways A5 and A81 to the west and east, better connect the southern regions of Baden Württemberg and Bavaria and provide a connection to the Swiss and French motorway network.

The Project and its Challenges
Due to the overall length of the two tunnels (10 km) and their location in an ecologically sensitive area, the design has to meet special requirements. Geological and hydrogeological conditions increase the complexity of the project. Furthermore, the electrical design, the ventilation design and the signs and markings are given the utmost attention. To guarantee a precise and integrated planning, the whole project is carried out in BIM.

The client of this project, DEGES Fernstraßenplanungs- und -bau GmbH (German Unity Motorway Planning and Construction Company), is planning the new sections of the A98 motorway on behalf of the Autobahn GmbH .

With this contract, ILF once again realizes an important regional infrastructure project and makes a significant contribution towards the improvement of transport infrastructure.

Photocredit: Deges

ILF’s first gas storage project

Founded in 1967, ILF Consulting Engineers is an independent, international consulting firm, which supports clients in the planning and design of technically-challenging industrial and infrastructure projects worldwide. Since its founding 50 years ago, ILF has been striving to seize new opportunities to develop further and help shape the future.

In 1983, ILF successfully closed two important projects: the Riyadh Water Transmission System and the North German Oil Pipeline. After that, the search for new projects and clients began. The Norwegian energy company Equinor, formerly known as Statoil, became one of ILF’s first clients.

One of the company founders, Adolf H. Feizlmayr, visited Statoil’s headquarters in Stavanger, Norway, multiple times, which led to ILF being invited to submit a project proposal. However, this was unsuccessful at that time.
Later on, ILF received a request to perform the Emden Shore Approach Study. This study dealt with the shore approach of a big natural gas pipeline connecting Norway and Germany as well as how it should cross the Wadden Sea – a challenge in itself. Even though the requirements for this project were completely new for ILF, and the company founders, Pius Lässer and Adolf Feizlmayr, considered their chances to be very low, they once more decided to submit a project proposal.. And: it worked (ILF Project 1001).
At this point in time, Statoil was contractually obligated to set up natural gas reserves of 500 million Sm3 in Germany. For this purpose, IVG (Internationale Industriebeteiligungs- und Verwaltungs GmbH) provided Statoil with caverns in the Etzel salt dome that were previously used for crude oil and were then repurposed for natural gas operations.

ILF was asked by IVG to do a feasibility study. Just like with the other projects back then, this was a task that ILF had never done before and therefore no references could be provide. Nevertheless, ILF convinced IVG with their work and were commissioned with the project (ILF Project 1035). As a potential client of IVG, Statoil’s positive experience with ILF was an advantage for this.
ILF’s competence and know-how in tunnel engineering, helped prove the suitability of the caverns for underground gas storage, building the basis for Statoil’s decision to accept the proposal by IVG.

ILF developed the concept of an above-ground storage facility in this feasibility study. This was helped by the expertise that ILF had already built up in the field of natural gas pipeline systems. ILF then further developed this concept on behalf of Statoil and went on to plan the entire facility.

This project laid the foundation for ILF’s expertise in the area of natural gas storage in caverns, which has been expanded over the last 40 years. The world is changing and so is ILF. ILF’s willingness to continuously come up with new innovative ideas, to build new fields of expertise and to offer excellent engineering services is unrelenting.

Since September 2021, ILF has been supporting our Client, Alsons Energy Development Corporation, in the process of implementing a hydropower cascade with three run-of-river hydro plants on Negros Island in the Philippines. The project will boost the production of clean energy, in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stabilize the local electricity supply.

As part of our ongoing commitment, one of our Managing Directors, Michael Wagner, Project Manager, Lex de Rijk, and our Country Representative, Kalle Vainio, participated in the public hearing process for the first cascade project, the Bago 3 Hydropower Plant on March 25, 2025.

The public hearing is a key step in engaging with stakeholders, addressing environmental and social concerns, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Our team provided technical expertise and strategic support to facilitate constructive discussions and move the project forward.

By actively contributing to this process, we are helping to ensure that the Bago 3 Hydropower Plant is developed in a transparent and responsible manner, in line with international best practice and local expectations.

The attached photo shows the Mayor of Murcia (the municipality where the project is located), our client’s project development team and our ILF team.

The middle of 2024 marked the beginning of the ASTRA project “Belchen zweite Instandsetzung” (BZI) / “Second Rehabilitation of Belchen Tunnel” with the contract section “Vorgezogene Massnahme Röhre Mitte” / ”Early Measures for the Middle Tube”.

To ensure the uninterrupted rerouting of traffic in 2026, construction measures will be adapted accordingly. After that, the rehabilitation of the eastern tunnel tube in the direction of Basel will commence and take several years.

The 3.2 km long Belchen Tunnel was opened in 1960. Among others, the tunnel traverses swelling gypsum keuper and opalinus clay formations. This swelling behavior leads to damages in the vault, the tunnel invert and the intermediate ceiling. Since 2021, the Rehabilitation Tunnel, (3rd tunnel tube), is in operation. That’s why the rehabilitation can be achieved without interruption of traffic.

Works that started earlier than planned include the construction of seven new access points for accessible cross passages and for occasional repairs. Moreover, two new trafficable cross passages with connections to the adjacent control and service centers have to be excavated. The construction sequence is very complex, since the rehabilitation takes place while the tunnel is still in operation. Due to the high swelling pressure, structurally demanding bifurcations have to be built.

Ingenieurgemeinschaft BZI 2.0, together with Lombardi, Emch+Berger and ILF Consulting Engineers, are in charge of carrying out the design works and site supervision for this project for ASTRA’s Zofingen office.

“Werksgruppe Schluchsee” is a pumped-storage cascade of Schluchseewerk AG and is located in the southern part of the Black Forest. It was built between 1920 and 1950. It uses the approx. 600 m difference in altitude between the Rhine and the Schluchsee to generate and store energy. This makes the Schluchsee the biggest reservoir of its kind in Germany, with a useable volume of 108 million m3, which is equivalent to a storage capacity of 91 million kWh. It contributes significantly to grid stability and security of electricity supply.

HäusernPlus is a project with the goal of comprehensively modernizing the over 90-year-old upper stage, the oldest part of “Werksgruppe Schluchsee”. The new shaft power station HäusernPlus with two powerful pump turbines and a full-scale converter is to improve the performance and efficiency. The already existing power plant is set to continue its operation in pump mode, to maximize the storage capacity in the event of a large energy surplus in the power grid. Modifications are limited to elevating the existing surge tank by up to 30 meters – the rest of the waterway system stays the same.

By combining new technologies with proven infrastructure facilities, a functional, flexible and sustainable system to store energy will be developed – a promising milestone for the energy transition. Environmental analyses show minimal impacts on the surrounding area, since the construction work takes place in a resource-efficient manner in already existing terrain.

ILF is playing a central role and carries out the following design services:

• • • • Study of alternatives to identify the best possible technical solution
      • Conceptual design as basis for the further development of the project
      • Preliminary design to specify the technical implementation
      • Permit application design for compliance of all legal and environmental specifications

HäusernPlus is committed to a future-oriented energy supply that successfully combines technical progress and environmental protection and regularly keeps the public informed about progress and permit procedures.

Learn more: https://wgsplus.de/die-wgsplus-projekte/haeusernplus/

To achieve the climate targets, CO2 emissions have to be reduced and already released CO2 has to be removed from the atmosphere. In order to do so, the method of capturing and storing of CO2 (Carbon Capture and Storage, CCS) can be applied. Through this method, CO2 is captured directly at point sources (e.g. at cement mills, thermal waste reclamation plants, hydropower plants and industrial plants) and subsequently stored underground.
The captured CO2 then has to be transported from its point source to the storage facilities. Frequently, pipelines are used for transportation. 
How can a safe and cost-efficient planning of new pipelines for the transmission of CO2 be facilitated? And what role does the conversion of already existing pipelines play?

To combine skills and know-how about such an important topic as the transmission of CO2 and to bridge knowledge gaps, Det Norske Veritas Group (DNV) has launched the Joint Industry Project 𝗖𝗢2𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 (𝗝𝗜𝗣) 

We are delighted to be part of this renowned project, joining other top companies in exploring the possibilities of an efficient construction and operation of CO2 pipelines. 

The aim is to set new standards and to overcome potential challenges (e.g. CO2 phase transition and specification, ductile crack extension, corrosion or safety) together. With our expertise in pipeline technology, we will be able to help shape the future of the transport infrastructure of CO2 pipelines. 

We look forward to working together!

Additional information about the project you can find here: Design and Operation of CO2 pipelines – CO2SafePipe
Foto: ©Adobe Stock

To meet the increased seawater demand of Antofagasta Minerals’ Nueva Centinela project, a new pipeline system is being constructed in a BOOT scheme. As part of this project, Antofagasta Minerals also transfers the existing water supply infrastructure to the water company, Aguas Esperanza. ILF supports Antofagasta Minerals as technical advisor for this complex process.

ILF services include technical advisory during the following stages of the transfer process:
– Due Diligence for SIAM I
– Trial Run (joint operation AMSA & Aguas Esperanza) of SIAM I
– Annual performance tests

Due Diligence and Trial Run

ILF supervises key activities such as performance tests and reviews of the Due Diligence of the water company, as well as services during trial operation, which involve providing technical support during the joint operation of SIAM I and the water company, assisting with the transfer and compliance of operational and maintenance procedures.
The procedures are carried out in line with quality control protocols to identify problems or areas for improvement and to propose corrective measures. Monthly and final reports are generated, containing observations, activity records, details, and conclusions from the activities.

Annual Performance Tests

ILF supports AMSA during the annual performance tests of SIAM I, validating the correct execution of these tests and analyzing the results obtained. The goal is to propose improvements to the procedures and in the event of detecting anomalies or unexpected results, gather the necessary information to identify the causes and propose quick and effective solutions. The tests include Nominal Capacity and Design Capacity.

At ILF Consulting Engineers, we are pleased to contribute to the success of our clients, driving increased production in a responsible and sustainable way.

We at ILF, as the lead partner in a joint venture with Lombardi AG Beratende Ingenieure, Rothpletz Lienhard + Cie AG, Gähler und Partner AG, are delighted to have been awarded the contract for the important “Zimmerberg Base Tunnel 2” project.

The contract includes the overall design and construction supervision of the new “Zimmerberg Base Tunnel 2” rail tunnel, which will improve the important transport link between Zug and Zürich. This tunnel and further extensions in Baar, Zug, Cham and Rotkreuz will eliminate the current bottleneck in the railway network between Zug and Zurich. This will bring the economic areas of Zürich and Zug, Lucerne and Central Switzerland closer together.

The new rail tunnel is about 10.8 km long and consists of two single-track tunnel tubes. They connect underground to the existing Zimmerberg Base Tunnel 1 in Thalwil. The southern portal of the new tunnel is situated in the Litti area near Baar.

We are proud to have gained the trust of the client SBB and will do our utmost with our dedicated team to fulfil the high expectations associated with this project.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of this contract and look forward to the exciting challenges ahead. Together, with our expertise and commitment to quality, we will do our best to make this another innovative tunneling project.
Picture: ©Adobe Stock

This year marks a major milestone for ILF Pakistan – 20 Years of Engineering Excellence!

The Pakistan office was established in 2005 in Lahore by Anees Ur Rehman, following his tenure as Managing Director of ILF Nigeria. It was planned under the visionary guidance of the ILF founders Pius Lässer and Adolf Feizlmayr, who recognized the country’s emerging economic potential.

Today, with a team of more than 130 dedicated professionals, ILF Pakistan not only drives national development forward, but also supports ILF Group projects in the UAE, in Norway, Canada, and in other countries.

Since 2019, ILF Pakistan is under the leadership of the Managing Directors Muhammad Inam and Adil Khan, building upon the legacy of those before, Anees Rehman, Abdul Rehman Ch. and Abdul Hadi Shah. It continues to focus on innovation, collaboration, and the delivery of impactful solutions.

We recently marked this 20-year journey with an unforgettable family celebration – a heartfelt tribute to our team and our shared successes.

Important Milestones

From early landmark projects such as the feasibility study and the tendering for the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, the feasibility study for the 1300 km Main Line II (ML-II), the feasibility study for Large Hydropower projects for the Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO), to numerous other projects for Pakistan Railways, ILF Pakistan has always been dedicated to its work.
Recent noteworthy projects also include Owner’s Engineers services, consisting of feasibility studies, a tendering, design review, and construction supervision for a 30 MGD water treatment plant, as well as a 60 km GRP pipeline for EnerTech (subsidiary of Kuwait Investment Authority) for the country’s first water-based tariff project under Public Private Partnership (PPP).
This shows how ILF Pakistan has evolved into a trusted and respected partner, working for all the main business areas of ILF:
Energy & Climate Protection, Water & Environment, Transportation & Urban Spaces, and Resource & Sustainable Industries.

Since being commissioned in 1887, the Frankfurt Wastewater Treatment Plant – the first large-scale wastewater treatment plant in mainland Europe – has continuously been upgraded to state-of-the-art standards. Originally designed to serve a population of 140,000, the plant currently has a capacity of 1.35 million Population Equivalents (PE). Given the continued population growth in the catchment area, the plant now needs to be expanded in order to increase capacity reserves and ensure long-term operational reliability.

In April 2021, the ILF team, together with a partner, was awarded the contract for the overall engineering services for this challenging expansion project. These services include design works for civil engineering structures, structural planning, design of the technical equipment and site supervision. Delivery of the design services (up to and including service phase 7 of the German Official Scale of Fees for Services by Architects and Engineers (HOAI)) has successfully been in progress since 2021 and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025. Construction is scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2025 and to run until the end of 2027.

The planned expansion of the plant will increase the number of secondary aeration tanks (each with a capacity of 7,200 m³) from 8 to 10 and the number of secondary sedimentation tanks (each with a capacity of 1,875 m³) from 32 to 40. Together, these increases will significantly expand the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant. In addition to the construction and integration of these new tanks, the project also involves the installation of new and upgrade of existing mechanical and electrical equipment, as well as re-routing of the existing pipework. A new access road will also be built.

Having recently been awarded the design services contract for service phase 8 (HOAI), the joint venture is now also responsible for construction management, construction supervision and quality assurance during the project’s implementation. We are delighted to be starting work on service phase 8 (HOAI), the final stage of our comprehensive service provision for this project as per the original scope of our offer.

ILF Consulting Engineers is proud to announce its official membership in the International Hydropower Association (IHA) as of March 2025. This marks a significant milestone for ILF’s ongoing commitment of advancing sustainable energy infrastructure and for its continuous contributions to the global green transition.

A Strategic Alliance for Sustainable Hydropower

The IHA is a global, non-profit membership organization that brings together over 100 key players across the hydropower sector, including energy suppliers, independent power producers, OEMs, EPC contractors, and consultancies. The association is best known for developing the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, a comprehensive benchmark that promotes best practices in the planning, development, and operation of hydropower projects. It ensures that such initiatives offer real benefits to communities, the environment, and the global energy landscape.

ILF’s membership to IHA aligns strongly with its core values of environmental responsibility, stakeholder engagement, and technical excellence. With headquarters in the heart of the Austrian Alps – where over 60% of electricity is generated through hydropower – ILF has decades of practical experience in designing and implementing hydropower projects that meet the highest sustainability standards.

Driving Global Dialogue and Local Impact

“ILF is committed to sustainability, with a particular focus on reducing emissions for the benefit of our planet and promoting social responsibility in line with our core values. Key initiatives include integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) into ILF’s company culture and values, pursuing our target of becoming Net Zero by 2040, improving diversity and employee well-being, and showcasing our sustainability achievements.
ILF fully supports the global energy transition away from fossil fuels and towards the generation of renewable energy. While a strong focus has been on the development of more recent technologies such as wind, PV and hydrogen, the role of hydropower and PHES as part of the green transition should not be underestimated.
ILF has many years of experience in the development of hydropower at both local and international levels, and our company has contributed significantly to implementing projects in a sustainable manner. In addition, our commitment to sustainability as a company is at the core of what we do, which is why we give every employee the opportunity to participate in our in-house sustainability training.
ILF fully endorses the goals and objectives of the San Jose Declaration, which mirror the values of ILF very closely. ILF strives to implement hydropower projects in a sustainable manner with minimal impacts and by strengthening local project partners, with the aim of providing access to a stable and clean energy supply, which is a minimum requirement of UN SDG 7: “ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all”.
The green transition is coming and ILF is proud to be at the forefront of implementing sustainable hydropower projects as we strive to achieve our Net Zero emission targets.”
– Klaus Lässer, CEO ILF

“Joining the IHA has shown ILF’s commitment to sustainable hydropower project development. Having access to a vast network of industry partners and developers will allow us to be at the forefront of the latest developments within the hydropower sector, while also improving our knowledge and ability to promote sustainable hydropower solutions.”
– Marc Gillmer, Project Manager in the Hydro Power Department, ILF

Looking Ahead

As part of the IHA, ILF gains a valuable platform to engage with leading hydropower stakeholders, contribute to global policy development, and share insights drawn from both local and international projects.

Joining the IHA is an important step for ILF – solidifying our role as a trusted partner in advancing hydropower as an important cornerstone of the global green transition.

IHA Website: http://www.hydropower.org/

ILF has set itself the ambitious goal to become Employer of Choice. Our employees continuously inspire us to reflect on our actions and motivate us to give our best to become their Employer of Choice as ONE ILF.

Together with Great Place to Work®, we have conducted the second group-wide anonymous survey and nearly 90 % of all our employees worldwide took their time to give us their honest feedback. The outcome of the survey shows us that our employees put their trust in us and value us as an employer. We even received the Great Place to Work® certification in 17 of our offices. Thank you all so much for your participation!

Special thanks to our employees in those offices that have been given the Great Place to Work® certificate: Austria, Canada, Chile, Czechia, Georgia, Germany, India, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, KSA, Switzerland, UAE and Uzbekistan.

Are you interested in becoming part of a great, global and inspiring team? Check out our Career Page at https://www.ilf.com/your-career-at-ilf/

Natural hazard protection measures are being implemented along the Axenstrasse road in Switzerland to increase both road safety on this national road and the occupational safety at future construction sites.

The difficult terrain in the area, as well as the limited space between the existing Axenstrasse road, Lake Uri and the steeply rising topography pose a particular challenge for the implementation of these measures. The impact of the works to install protection structures on the national road must also be kept to a minimum.

ILF is playing an important role in the engineering consortium INGE Axen Bauleitung commissioned with these works – with both the responsible Chief Construction Manager and the Deputy Chief Construction Manager being ILF colleagues who are managing the works on the southern section of the road, which includes the Sisikon Tunnel construction lot.

Following preparatory clearing work last year, the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) project has now been given the go-ahead for the implementation of natural hazard protection measures in two lots along the existing Axenstrasse road.

Three temporary and two permanent safety nets with an energy absorption capacity of up to 3000 kJ will be installed above the construction site and the Axenstrasse road. In addition, an area of approximately 1000 m2 will be covered with netting. At the same time, the existing deflection dam will be supplemented with a 100-m-long and 16-m-high northern guiding dam and a 30-m-long and 10-m-high southern guiding dam. Both will have a total volume of approximately 60,000 m3.

Rockfall protection fences, netting and individual block protection shall be installed at four different locations along the Axenstrasse road. Three combined rockfall and debris flow nets have been installed. These have a total length of approximately 200 m and an energy absorption capacity of 2000 kJ.

This part of the project has been completed to the full satisfaction of all within time and budget. A big thank-you to all who participated!

Project WAVE in UAE has reached a significant milestone: 2,000,000 Safe Manhours without a single Lost Time Injury.

This outstanding accomplishment reflects the dedication, teamwork, and collective efforts of everyone involved, as well as our strong partnership with @Mirfa Sea Water Treatment and Supply. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and look forward to reaching even greater milestones together. This large-scale project includes a seawater nanofiltration plant with a treatment capacity about 115 million imperial gallons per day (approx. 520,000 m3/day), along with a 75 km water transmission pipeline and an extensive in-field distribution network to support reservoir pressure maintenance in the Bab and Bu Hasa fields in Abu Dhabi.

The ILF office in UAE is responsible for the design review, owner’s engineer and site supervision of this outstanding project

At ILF Consulting Engineers, we have extensive experience working as the Owner’s Engineer for complex desalination and water transmission projects aimed at addressing water scarcity issues in areas with high industrial demand. Our work focuses on the management and supervision of desalination plants, water transmission systems and associated electrical supply networks, contributing to sustainable solutions for sectors such as mining.

To ensure the success of such projects, colleagues from across the ILF Group make regular site visits to monitor construction progress and to share their experiences from similar projects around the globe. Recently, Adolf Mayr, an expert in pumping system construction, visited the SADDN project site in northern Chile, providing valuable recommendations and strategic guidance that have helped optimize the development of this important project.

Our commitment to sustainability and the energy transition is reflected in our participation in these key projects, contributing to the development of innovative solutions that enable more efficient and responsible use of water resources.

At ILF, we are proud to be part of initiatives that promote a more sustainable future for Chile and the world.

How the then young company ILF won over clients through commitment and quality awareness while expanding its business areas with ambition and courage

50 years ago, in January 1975, the Mannesmann company was awarded the contract for the turn-key construction of the Grafendorf (Austria) compressor station located at the Trans Austria Gas Pipeline, with ILF as its engineering partner. This project was the starting point for ILF into a new business area with great potential for the future. It was ILF’s goal to be able to offer the design of complete pipeline systems for natural gas including the stations.

The Grafendorf compressor station was designed for a throughput of 1.3 million Nm³/h, an inlet pressure of 42–54 bar and a discharge pressure of 70 bar. Pressure boosting was effected by means of three gas turbine driven centrifugal compressors with an output of 11 MW each. During contract negotiations, OMV’s working group TAG had made it clear that they were very sceptical about the engineering partner ILF and its capabilites, due to its lack of references for the planning of large compressor stations. However, through excellent work, the ILF Project Team was able to prove its competence right after the start of the project. ILF’s chairman of the supervisory board, Dr. Hannes G. Wechsler, played a major role in this success. The compressor station was finished in high quality and in accordance with the time schedule.

Today, 50 years later, ILF proudly looks back at its beginnings. These projects laid the foundation for many other successes and show that even the greatest challenges can be overcome through determination and teamwork. Experiences and lessons learned are more valuable today than ever before and form the basis of a successful future.

To broaden its portfolio and to adapt to the market requirements, ILF is set on expanding its business areas while still following its mission statement “to improve the quality of life”.

We want to thank everyone that was, and still is, a part of our journey and we are looking forward to the next 50 years full of exciting new projects and shared successes.

From the 18th to the 20th century, the gypsum industry flourished in the village of Schleitheim in Eastern Switzerland. The museum next to the Schleitheim Gypsum Mine has been a reminder of this since 1938, but was forced to close to the public in December 2022 after a local collapse in the adit.

Before the gypsum mine could be reopened to the public, rehabilitation work was required. ILF was commissioned to carry out the conceptual study for this rehabilitation work. As little or no as-built documentation was available and the geometry of the small adit significantly restricts the use of modern tunnelling/mechanical engineering methods, this task was particularly challenging for our colleagues in Switzerland. ILF was also contracted to provide on-site support to the client and the contractor throughout the construction phase.

In March 2024, @Gasser Felstechnik AG started the rehabilitation of the collapsed area in the existing adit to the century-old gypsum mine. With typical tunnelling equipment such as tunnel boring machines (TBMs), wheel loaders and shotcrete machines not being of much use for this type of rehabilitation work in the smallest of tunnel profiles, it was necessary to carry out the mining work manually, as was done in the old days. The collapsed area was a few meters long and was located in the existing approximately 200-m-long adit to the gypsum mine. After several weeks of work, this area was successfully excavated and lattice girders/shotcrete were used to create the new profile.

Access to the adit, which had been inaccessible for almost two years, was now possible again and the impressive caverns were able to be reopened to the public. In a second project phase, further safety features were installed and the track for a new mine railway was laid to the end of the adit. This work demanded a great deal of the miners working on site. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the team on site, as well as to the hard-working helpers from the Gipsstolle Schlaate Association and the Civil Protection Organisation.

The completed rehabilitation works were presented to the public in November 2024, at an event held to thank all those involved in the project. As part of the event, attendees were also invited to join the maiden journey of the mine railway – in celebration of the realization of a project idea from 2017.

ILF is proud to announce its involvement in the first project in the Middle East to produce hydrogen for green steel production, in collaboration with Masdar.

Masdar, in partnership with Emirates Steel Arkan – EMSTEEL, inaugurated a hydrogen pilot plant in late 2024, the first Green Steel facility of its kind in the MENA Region. This facility generates green hydrogen, with the primary goal of reducing carbon emissions in the steel manufacturing sector and promoting sustainable industrial practices.

ILF is involved as Project Management Consultant including design review of OEM and EPC documentation and site supervision.

The project is perfectly timed to support the growth of both domestic and international markets for hydrogen technologies. Furthermore, it enhances the expertise of the hydrogen team within the ILF office in UAE.

It is fully in line with our vision to improve living conditions worldwide.

Electric mobility is often seen as one of the key solutions to climate change, but the road to progress is not without its obstacles. From CO2-intensive battery production to the challenges of electricity generation, the transition to more sustainable forms of mobility is far from straightforward. A strict ban on internal combustion engines could also have significant societal costs and cause hesitation in key markets.

The question is, is there a solution that balances both environmental goals and economic realities?

Thanks to Obrist Technologies, there just might be!

Technologies has set itself the task of having a positive impact in the energy sector. By capturing carbon dioxide and water from the atmosphere and converting them into methanol, Obrist plans to produce sustainable methanol for use as an energy carrier. As pure carbon powder is a by-product of this process, the methanol produced is not only carbon neutral, but also net negative.

As part of a joint venture with others, ILF, acting as technical advisor to Obrist Group, has been assisting with the various due diligence processes and Investment Memorandum for this process.

Aware of the energy inefficiencies in this methanol production process, Obrist intends to harness the potential of “abundant” low-cost renewable energy, mainly from solar power in desert regions, to produce a cost-competitive alternative to fossil fuels as an energy carrier.
If viable on a large scale, Obrist may have found a way to help reduce global atmospheric CO2 concentrations while avoiding the need for major investment in adapting existing transport and thermal power generation infrastructure, as methanol’s similarity to petrol means that much of today’s existing infrastructure can continue to be used.

In addition to selling methanol (aFuel®), plant operators can also generate revenue from the by-product, pure carbon powder (cSink®), and surplus hydrogen, oxygen and water.

Obrist has already developed its own Direct Air Capture (DAC) system, which it is operating on a laboratory scale, and for which it has a patent. The company is currently exploring funding options for pilot plants as well as for projects to demonstrate the technological maturity of this system and validate the proof of concept. One such envisaged project is the large-scale “Modern Forest Plant”.

Together with partners, ILF has played a key role as technical advisor in the preparation of a Due Diligence Report for the Obrist Group. Applying its multi-disciplinary expertise, ILF’s Management Consulting Unit conducted a comprehensive market analysis, technical due diligence assessment and cost estimation. This included assisting with the Intellectual Property Due Diligence Process and providing valuable input for an Investment Memorandum. The final report enables the Obrist Group to approach potential investors with comprehensive information when negotiating the value of the company in potential share deals.

This project demonstrates the strength of interdisciplinary collaboration between ILF and external partners, led by ILF’s Management Consulting Unit. Clients working with ILF can benefit from our holistic approach, which provides technical and financial insight and assists with strategic market positioning and further project development.

Photocredit: (c)Obrist Group

We are excited to be part of the development of this important project aimed at addressing water scarcity in the southern region of Atacama. As part of this effort, the Chile office of ILF Consulting Engineers has been contracted by Huasco Water (Aguas para El Huasco) to carry out a prefeasibility study to assess infrastructure solutions, customer demand, and to present a financial model.

Through a desalination plant and the supply of fresh water, the project aims to meet the growing water needs of the region, benefiting local communities and projects.

The initial phase of the project proposes delivering 600 liters per second of water to the processing plant of Hot Chili Limited’s Costa Fuego copper project.

The second phase of the project includes a pipeline network to supply 1,300 liters per second of water to nearby communities and farmers, assuming customer agreements are finalized. The region also contains six undeveloped copper projects and two new discoveries that require desalinated water.

We are proud to contribute to this meaningful and sustainable initiative for the industry and the local community.

Photocredit: hot.chilli.limited

The ÖBB (the Austrian Federal Railways) has recently purchased a new fleet of battery-powered trains that will run between St. Pölten and northern Lower Austria. Following this purchase, ÖBB-Technische Services GmbH has commissioned ILF to carry out a study of alternatives and the conceptual design for the construction of a new maintenance hall at the ÖBB site in St. Pölten.

This hall is designed to facilitate the maintenance of three different types of train (the Stadler Flirt Akku, Bombardier Talent and Siemens Desiro). Due to the limited space and the lack of overhead contact lines in the area, a new track with overhead contact lines will have to be laid from the public rail network to the ÖBB site. All three tracks inside the hall will be equipped with retractable overhead contact lines that can be operated at different voltages (3 kV direct current, 15 kV 16.7 Hz and 25 kV 50 Hz).

Special attention has been paid to safety aspects such as protection against battery fires. The hall has been designed to meet ergonomic and logistical requirements and has sufficient space for possible future expansion. The facility will be managed following a lean approach, allowing for efficient storage of materials in close proximity to workstations.

A work platform will be provided for roof work, and the tracks will be equipped with a variety of light and heavy maintenance equipment. This includes bogie sinks, wheelset changing devices, track bridges, a diesel fume extraction system and cranes.

These measures will ensure that the ÖBB’s new fleet can be operated efficiently and safely.

Fotocredit: Adobe Stock

We are proud to announce that ILF Consulting Engineers in United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with a number of other companies, has received a prestigious award for the Al Taweelah Independent Water Plant (IWP) project. The award was presented by the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) at the IDRAWorldCongress2024: 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

ILF-UAE was appointed as Owner’s Engineer for this significant sustainable project.

The Al Taweelah IWP is the world’s largest operating seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant. With a production capacity of 909,200 m³ per day (200 MIGD), it meets the water needs of more than 350,000 households and sets a global benchmark for innovation and sustainability.

The plant integrates renewable energy sources such as solar power to offset its energy needs, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It is also the first plant in the UAE and in the Middle East region with a large-scale, fully compliant industrial chlorine dioxide dosing system, which reduces bromate levels in the potable water network by 80%.

This project demonstrates how advanced desalination initiatives can address water scarcity while improving energy efficiency and optimizing costs, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

ILF-UAE was represented at the award ceremony by Roberto Mangano (Managing Director of ILF-UAE), Tita Beltrán Lezaun (Desalination Area Manager at ILF) and Simone Puzzo (Senior Consultant at ILF).

Congratulations to the entire team for their exceptional efforts in implementing this complex and transformative project!

In pursuit of our vision to be “a leader in improving the quality of life around the globe”, 𝗜𝗟𝗙’𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 ensures that sustainability is incorporated into all of our projects.
This is done using 𝗜𝗟𝗙’𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁©, a process we’ve developed to help clients customize and optimize sustainable project delivery. This process enables the definition of sustainable project indicators so that clients can track, quantify and report on their positive contributions.
Our 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁© is anchored in a structured methodology, with distinct steps, each producing specific outcomes that influence the subsequent Blueprint steps, to ultimately deliver a tailored positive solution for our clients and our planet.
For more information, take a look at our website and/or 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁© folder

From a Chance Meeting to an International Engineering Company

In 1965, a group of international oil companies laid the foundations for the Transalpine Pipeline (TAL) – a project in which two young engineers met, an event that would later lead to the establishment of ILF Consulting Engineers.

The US company Bechtel of San Francisco, which at that time was arguably the only engineering company in the world with the necessary expertise, was commissioned to plan and design the pipeline and to provide construction management and supervision. Two young engineers also wanted to be part of this construction project, but little did they know that it would change their lives forever. Pius Lässer (then 34) and Adolf Feizlmayr (then 28) met for the first time and quickly learned to respect each other’s professionalism and dedication.

Working on the TAL project provided the two young engineers with a wealth of experience in a very short time. After leaving Bechtel, Pius Lässer established an engineering company in Innsbruck, Austria, and soon after, Adolf Feizlmayr joined as a partner, giving the company a new name: Ingenieurgemeinschaft Lässer-Feizlmayr – ILF, and opening a second office in Munich, Germany.

From the outset, both partners had a clear vision: to offer their clients outstanding multidisciplinary engineering services for complex industrial and infrastructure projects. This ambitious vision for a small engineering company has been rigorously developed over the years and ILF has become an international engineering company with over 11,000 projects successfully executed around the globe.

Now the next generation is in charge, building on the same values and vision and continuing to deliver engineering excellence to ILF’s clients, contributing to a better quality of life in more than 150 countries.

In 2017, the Roads Department of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure awarded a contract to a Joint Venture between ILF Consulting Engineers and Aecom for a feasibility study on upgrading the Tbilisi–Bakurtsikhe (approx. 80 km) and Tsnori–Lagodekhi (approx. 40 km) roads. Building on this success, in 2019, we were further entrusted with the detailed engineering design of the Tbilisi–Sagarejo and Sagarejo–Bakurtsikhe roads.

This combined project is of regional importance, enhancing transit capacity, mobility and road safety in Georgia.

These roads start in the eastern part of Tbilisi and extend towards the border with Azerbaijan at Lagodekhi, improving connectivity across the region.

The project is divided into two key phases:
Phase 1: Feasibility Study for Tbilisi–Bakurtsikhe and Tsnori–Lagodekhi Roads
Phase 2: Detailed Engineering Design for Tbilisi–Sagarejo and Sagarejo–Bakurtsikhe Roads

The project represents a crucial step in improving connectivity and fostering regional development across Georgia. We are excited to contribute to this transformative infrastructure initiative and look forward to the positive impact it will have on local communities.

ILF Consulting Engineers is committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable designs that support economic growth and regional development.

Foto: ©Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia

The first toll bridge to be made of wood has been built on the S37 motorway between Klagenfurt and the Taggenbrunn Castle in Carinthia, Austria. This unique construction project marks a new era in sustainable infrastructure. Built with wood from secondary forests and equipped with a photovoltaic system that powers the toll station, the bridge saves around 15 tons of CO2.

This innovative solution combines environmentally friendly construction methods with modern technology. As a flagship project for sustainability, the toll bridge demonstrates that climate-neutral infrastructure can be a reality – even today.

As the local building supervisory authority, ILF has played a central role in the implementation of this project. Together with Asfinag  and the contractors Kapsch  and GLS Energie , ILF took care of project coordination, ensuring that the construction schedule was adhered to and that the challenges that arose during construction were overcome. The contract for the design and manufacture of the “Green Gantry” was awarded to HASSLACHER NORICA TIMBER .

ILF is honored to have been selected by a joint venture between MID Contracting Company Ltd. and TETCO Engineers and Contractors to provide detailed design engineering services for new LPG storage facilities at the Zarka Refinery in Jordan.

The existing LPG storage facilities at the Zarka Refinery are to be expanded by five spherical vessels and associated systems, increasing the refinery’s current capacity by 20,945 m³.

This expansion of the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company’s facility is expected to help meet local fuel demand and contribute significantly to the overall socio-economic development of Jordan. In addition to creating new investment opportunities, the project is also expected to generate new employment opportunities throughout the country.

ILF’s scope of services includes preparation of the detailed design engineering documents, providing support with procurement activities, vendor design vetting, providing support with inspection and testing, pre-commissioning and commissioning, as well as field engineering support during the construction phase.

We are proud to be a part of this project and of the contribution that it will make to improving the quality of life in Jordan.

As Saudi Arabia strives to achieve its ambitious Vision 2030 goals, sustainable water management is emerging as a critical component in fostering economic diversification and environmental stewardship. In line with this vision, the Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO) is spearheading efforts to optimize water use and promote sustainability through the implementation of innovative projects. One such effort is the Manfuhah–Qiddiya Water Transmission Project, which aims to harness the potential of treated sewage effluent (TSE) to meet the diverse needs of various sectors, including agriculture, urban development and industry.

With over 40 years of experience in water transmission systems, ILF is at the forefront of this transformative project, conducting a comprehensive hydraulic study of the existing transmission system from the Manfuhah Water Treatment Plant to Qiddiya, as well as working on the design of a new transmission network – preparing the tender documents and evaluating the bidders’ proposals.

The new transmission network will involve the construction of a pumping station in Derab, which will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure capable of delivering 180,000 cubic meters of TSE daily. Additionally, the project includes the installation of three carbon steel storage tanks with a combined capacity of 180,000 cubic meters and the laying of a main pipeline spanning approximately 36 kilometers. This project is particularly significant in the context of Vision 2030, as it will help Qiddiya to become a groundbreaking destination city known for its cutting-edge entertainment, sports and cultural experiences.

The technical specifications and features of the project underscore ILF’s commitment to delivering sustainable solutions of the highest quality. Through the use of advanced technologies and engineering principles, ILF strives to ensure efficient transportation and distribution of TSE to meet the evolving demands of the Qiddiya project. Moreover, the project’s emphasis on the use of renewable water resources highlights its alignment with broader sustainability objectives, contributing to the conservation of precious freshwater reserves and reducing reliance on traditional water sources.

The impact of the Manfuhah–Qiddiya Water Transmission Project extends far beyond the realms of infrastructure development. As a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s sustainability agenda, the project is poised to deliver tangible environmental and societal benefits. By ensuring a reliable supply of TSE water to Qiddiya, the project not only facilitates the realization of the city’s vision, but also sets a precedent for responsible water management practices on a national scale. Furthermore, by fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders, the project exemplifies the spirit of partnership and innovation that defines the Kingdom’s approach to sustainable development.

ILF’s involvement in the Manfuhah–Qiddiya Water Transmission Project is a testament to the ILF Group’s unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability. Through the provision of expertise and resources, ILF is playing a pivotal role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda and shaping a future where economic prosperity coexists harmoniously with environmental preservation. As the project moves forward, it serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, illuminating the path towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

The “Regional-Stadtbahn-Projekt Linz”, the Linz regional light rail system, from Auhof to Gallneukirchen and Pregarten is an important project for the future, and for sustainable mobility in Upper Austria (AUT).

In early 2024, the contract for the preliminary design of this project was awarded to a consortium of ILF Consulting Engineers Austria GmbH and Schimetta Consult ZT GmbH. The aim of the project is to create a high-quality rail-based transport axis as an alternative to motorways and motorized private transport.

Design work has already begun and is being given high priority to ensure the project’s rapid implementation. This project will not only improve the quality of life of the population in Upper Austria, but also reduce the burden on the environment. The Linz regional light rail system will strenghten the local public transport network and make a significant contribution to transition in the traffic and transport sector and achievement of climate targets. The project is a key component of a comprehensive mobility concept to promote the use of public transport and maintain Upper Austria’s attractiveness as a location for business.

Copyright Foto: Regional-Stadtbahn Frontalansicht – Moviemedia / STADLER Design by DÖLLMANN / Montage Schiene OÖ GmbH

SuedLink is a future-oriented infrastructure project involving the development of a high-capacity electricity transmission system that will efficiently distribute renewable energy throughout Germany, thus making a substantial contribution to the energy transition and environmental protection. ILF has been commissioned to carry out the design work for the areas of the project that are located in Northern Germany, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The project is progressing well. Construction work has already begun on the design sections in Baden-Württemberg for which ILF has provided design services.

We, ILF’s specialist designers, recently took the exciting opportunity to visit the construction site and see for ourselves the implementation of the years of thought and planning that we have invested in the SuedLink project. Horizontal directional drilling is already underway in three areas, and we were able to have a look at the technical implementation at these sites and exchange ideas with the technical staff.

Engineers from the fields of route engineering, road design and geotechnical engineering, as well as GIS specialists, also joined us on our visit. The contractors benefit from the successful interaction between those involved in each of these technical fields.

We are all very proud of the contribution that we are making to the energy transition and look forward to our next visits to the SuedLink project sites.

One of the ÖBB’s (the Austrian Federal Railways’) ongoing projects is the construction of the new approximately 20.5-km-long “Schaftenau–Knoten Radfeld” (Schaftenau–Radfeld Junction) section of the Northern feeder line of the Brenner Base Tunnel. ILF carried out the design work for the route selection process for this section between 2006 and 2009. Following this initial contract, ILF was commissioned to prepare the design documents for the preliminary approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Together with Ö&P, ILF was subsequently also commissioned to conduct the detailed permit application design (for approval under the Austrian Railway Act) for the cut-and-cover tunnels and trough structures.

This detailed permit application design (for approval under the Austrian Railway Act) was submitted to the authorities in December 2022 and approved in November 2023 following a successful public hearing.

Together with iC, ILF was awarded a further contract in 2021 for the tender design of the 2.6-km-long Rohbaustollen Angath (Angath exploratory tunnel), and subsequently the contract for its construction design. The Angath exploratory tunnel will serve as a rescue tunnel for the Angerberg Railway Tunnel during the operational phase. The two tunnels will be connected by 6 cross passages. Construction of the Angath exploratory tunnel began in spring 2023 and approximately 1,682 m have been successfully excavated to date (as of 1st October 2024).

In summer 2024, the ILF–iC planning consortium was commissioned to perform the tender design, including optional construction design and as-built design, for the mined section of the Angerberg Tunnel. This section consists of an approximately 2.9-km-long stretch located in the solid rock of the Unterangerberg formation, which will be excavated using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), and an approximately 4.7-km-long stretch located in the unconsolidated sediments of the Inn Valley, which will be excavated using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). The commissioned work for the solid rock stretch includes planning the railway tunnel excavation and designing the entire inner lining of the railway tunnel as well as the rescue tunnel and the cross passages. The design work also includes a large launch cavern at the end of this stretch for assembly of the TBM. The stretch of unconsolidated sediments is foreseen to be excavated using a Mixshield TBM with a diameter of 14.1 m. After exiting the launch cavern, which is located in solid rock, the TBM will pass under the River Inn and the A12 motorway, as well as under other existing structures in Kundl, including residential and commercial buildings, an ice rink, a provincial road bridge and Kundl railway station. Nine shaft structures with connecting tunnels, which will serve as emergency exits, also have to be designed in this stretch. Also included in the design contract is a receiving pit with a 60-m-long cut-and-cover tunnel section at the western end of the mined tunnel.

Since starting work on the design of the mined section of the Angerberg Tunnel, ILF has also been awarded the tender design contract for the 3.3-km-long “Angerbergtunnel Ost” cut-and-cover section of the Angerberg Tunnel (in a planning consortium together with Ö&P) as well as for the mechanical equipment (fire-fighting water supply, pump stations, ventilation and air conditioning systems, door and gate systems, lifts, etc.) for the entire project.

These interesting and challenging contracts are important reference projects for ILF and provide the ILF team with plenty of work to do until the scheduled commissioning of the Angerberg Tunnel in 2037. ILF would like to thank the ÖBB for the trust they have placed in our colleagues and looks forward to continuing the goal-oriented and constructive cooperation with all parties involved in the project in the future.

This summer saw the unveiling of the two large tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that will be used to excavate the second tube of the Gotthard Road Tunnel. These machines, each with a diameter of 12.3 m and weighing 1,800 tons, are now ready to excavate the 15.5-km-long stretch through the Swiss Alps.

The TBMs have been manufactured, pre-assembled and tested at Herrenknecht AG in Schwanau, Germany.

Following their unveiling, the TBMs are now in the process of being dismantled, transported by truck to the tunnel portals and reassembled there, ready for the start of tunnel excavation from the north and south portals in February 2025. The first phase of excavation to the caverns in the fault zone sections of the tunnel will take approximately 10–12 months, with the final breakthrough scheduled for early 2027.

This project marks another milestone in the history of the Gotthard Road Tunnel. We are proud of the work that has been done so far by everyone involved and look forward to seeing how the project progresses. To use a phrase often used to wish good luck in the world of tunnel construction, we wish all those involved in the project “Glück auf!“.

The joint venture “IG Nuovo Gottardo”, consisting of the partners B+S AG, Lombardi Engineering Ltd., ILF Consulting Engineers in Switzerland and Emch+Berger Gruppe, is responsible for the overall design and site management of the second tube of the Gotthard Road Tunnel. The responsible contractors for Lot 241 are the “secondo tubo” consortium led by Implenia Schweiz AG and for Lot 341 the “Consorzio Gottardo Sud” consortium led by Marti Tunnel AG.

Some of ILF’s colleagues have recently joined Aguas Horizonte SpA’s executives and their respective directors from Marubeni and Transelec on a visit to the company’s desalination project site in the Antofagasta region of Chile.

ILF is proud to be involved in this major project of national importance. With extensive and recognized experience in desalination and water transmission, ILF is positioned as a leader in implementing innovative and efficient solutions. Our participation in this desalination project reflects not only our commitment to technical excellence, but also our contribution to mitigating water scarcity in the region by ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply.

As the Owner’s Engineer for Aguas Horizonte SpA, we are excited about the opportunity to add significant value to this project. 🌍💧

Learn more about the Aguas Horizonte Project here 

Between July and August 2024, the Ricken Tunnel, a railway tunnel owned and operated by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), was closed for rehabilitation work. The tunnel was opened to rail traffic in 1910 and needed to be rehabilitated so that it can continue to be used for decades to come.

The Ricken Tunnel is a 8.6-km-long, over 100-year-old single-track railway tunnel located in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen. As part of the rehabilitation work on the tunnel, wet and dripping spots were eliminated in the masonry vault and the masonry joints were repaired. The work was carried out by Fretus AG during a total closure of the tunnel.

ILF was commissioned for the design and the supervision of the site during the rehabilitation work.

ILF is a key contributor to Jordan’s comprehensive water sector reform efforts. Working with the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation and related authorities, our multidisciplinary team is providing management consulting, project management and engineering services to enhance water efficiency by reducing non-revenue water and expanding the use of treated wastewater, and to facilitate the introduction of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy solutions in one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. With these services, ILF is supporting Jordan’s National Water Strategy for 2023–2040, which aims to reform the legal and institutional framework of the water sector, restore the balance between water availability and demand, achieve financial sustainability in the sector, and ensure impartial and transparent regulation of services and costs. In this way, ILF is making a significant contribution to a more sustainable future for the country.

Work at the Weissenstein Tunnel (SUI) construction site is progressing at full speed.
The first sections of the damaged masonry vault have been successfully removed and secured as part of the localized complete rehabilitation of the vault.
The most challenging part of the work is the complex geological conditions and the partially unknown conditions outside the existing masonry. The parts of the masonry vault that have been removed are located in the Opalinus Clay section of the railway tunnel – the geologically most challenging section. Differing conditions, fault zones and brittle conditions in the first section of the Opalinus Clay in the Folded Jura make tunneling difficult in this section.

As part of the rehabilitation work on the Weissenstein Tunnel, localized partial and complete rehabilitation of the vault is being carried out in various sections of the tunnel, and the tunnel drainage system, cable systems, safety installations and railway track running through the tunnel are being renewed. Two existing stations are also being modernized to meet the provisions of the Swiss Disability Discrimination Act.

IG WST (ILF Consulting Engineers in Switzerland and Emch+Berger AG Bern) has been commissioned by the sole contractor – the joint venture ARGE EWT (PORR Group and fretus ag) – as the “Tunnel and Stations Project Manager”, responsible for all rehabilitation works in the tunnel and the stations.

ILF Consulting Engineers in United Arab Emirates is thrilled to share an update on our ongoing Provision of Technical Consultancy Services for Power and Water 2024 project in collaboration with the Sultanate of Oman. In a move to strengthen the Sultanate of Oman’s water security, SMN Barka Power Company SAOC, a subsidiary of SMN Power Holding SAOG, has entered into a new Water Purchase Agreement with Nama Power and Water Procurement.

Our team at ILF-UAE is providing steadfast support to Nama Power and Water Procurement throughout the Power2024 and the BarkaWater2024 tendering process for several existing plants in Oman, including Manah Independent Power Producer, Barka I Independent Water and Power Producer, Barka II IWPP, Sohar I IWPP, and Rusail IPP.

We are committed to ensuring a seamless selection and award process, allowing the necessary facilities to continue operating beyond the terms of their current contractual agreements.

A great success has been achieved, allowing Barka Water and Power Company SAOG, SMN Barka Power Co., Al Ghubrah Power and Desalination company GPDC and Al Rusail Power Co. to officially sign the relevant PPA and WPA extensions.

Our scope of work encompasses various crucial stages, including:

• Project Definition Stage
• Competition Process Paper (CPP)
• Risk Allocation
• Request for Proposal (RFP) Process
• Bid Management
• Bid Evaluation
• Negotiation & Closing.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to drive forward sustainable power and water solutions for a better future.

We are very pleased to announce ILF’s participation in the Quito Metro Line 1 Project, the first metro line to be built in Ecuador.

This groundbreaking project features a 22 km long underground track, encompassing 15 stations, 16+2 six-car trains, and a cutting-edge depot and workshop facilities. This is Ecuador’s first metro line, which went into commercial operation in December 2023.

The overall project was financed by four prestigious multilateral banks: the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Interamerican Development Bank, and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), as well as by the Municipality of Quito and the Government of Ecuador.

The Joint Venture between ILF and Ayesa (Spain) was responsible for the site supervision of Metro Quito, including civil works of tunnel and stations, electromechanical systems, rail systems, a depot and workshop, and rolling stock.

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication, collaboration, and vision of all involved parties. Let’s celebrate this groundbreaking success and the progress made in creating an efficient and sustainable metro transportation system in Ecuador.

Being a project between France, Germany and Luxembourg,”mosaHYc” (Moselle-Saar-Hydrogen-Conversion) is a European and pioneering cross-border project in the Grande Région, aimed at providing an initial and innovative infrastructure for the transport of hydrogen across borders. Thus Creos’ and GRTgaz’s mosaHYc project constitutes an essential link to bring together hydrogen producers and users in this region. With a 90 km long pipeline, hydrogen can be used as fuel and energy carrier for the industry, for mobility, reconversion and heat in the Grande Région, thus saving almost one million tons of CO2 per year. It is an important step to achieve the climate targets for 2030, 2040 and 2045!
To this end, about 70 kilometers of existing gas pipelines, some of which are no longer in operation, are to be converted into hydrogen pipelines. By additionally constructing about 20 kilometers of new hydrogen pipelines, the first hydrogen island network will be created.

We are delighted to be part of the planning and design of this innovative project with our team.
Our experts work on the preparation of the detailed design ready for implementation and on obtaining planning approval from the authorities for the construction of the hydrogen pipeline in the Leidingen-Dillingen section.

The start of the planning approval procedure is scheduled for early 2025. After the start of operation in 2027, the island network will have a capacity of up to 120,00 m3/h, depending on the maximum operating pressure.
mosaHYc is an example of a hydrogen infrastructure that extends beyond national borders.

Foto: ©Adobe Stock

Work on the construction site of the Gotthard road tunnel – the 2nd tube – in Switzerland is running at full speed. In early May 2024, work in the northern fault zone was initiated by starting construction lot 241, and thus the next important construction phase.
The northern fault zone is an approx. 300 m long section, characterised by weak kakirites in the Urseren zone, at the transition from the Mesozoic to the Permo-Carboniferous. It is located about 4.5 km from the northern portal.

The northern fault zone is excavated prior to the main excavation so that the shield TBM coming from the north can be pushed through. Advance takes place using NATM with full-face excavation. The tunnel face, which has an excavation diameter of 15 m, is divided into a maximum of 8 partial areas and systematically supported by using face bolts. Due to the squeezing rock mass behaviour, yielding support is installed, allowing controlled convergence of the profile before it is fastened. The excavation works are expected to continue until the end of 2025.

The joint venture Nuovo Gottardo (ILF Consulting Engineers in Switzerland, Lombardi SA, B+S AG Bern, Emch+Berger AG Bern) being the “Tunnel project manager”, has been commissioned to carry out all works from the Göschenen portal to the Airolo portal. Within the joint venture, all JV partners are involved in the design work required to deal with the fault zones, with ILF being in charge of the northern fault zone. We wish to thank the construction consortium (lot 241) for carrying out these difficult works under complex conditions.

Exciting news from EverWind Fuels as they announce the completion of FEL-3 & FEED engineering for their first phase of green ammonia production in Nova Scotia. This achievement is a significant industry milestone, marking the first completion of FEED for a green ammonia production facility in the Western hemisphere. The engineering work totaled over 110,000 hours and produced 152 engineering deliverables.
ILF was proud to serve as Owner’s Engineer (OE) and Project Management Consultant (PMC) – a collaboration between the offices in Canada and Germany. 

Everwind Nova Scotia Phase 1

• 2024 start of construction
• 240,000 tons of green ammonia produced per year
• 650 MW onshore wind capacity
• 280 MW electrolyzer capacity
• 150 MW & 100 MWh solar and battery capacity

Feed Engineering Complete

• 30% of engineering design complete
• >100,000 hours of engineering and project planning
• 750 TPD ammonia plant production capacity
• Deepest ice-free port on the east coast
• Brownfield site – 700$MM of existing infrastructure
• First project of its kind in North America with full environmental approval
• Designated “Project of National Strategic Interest”
• Feed engineering complete

“ILF is pleased to partner with EverWind as owner’s engineer on its transformational green ammonia project. We are proud that we will continue to drive forward cutting-edge engineering and support EverWind’s compliance with strict green fuel production criteria including EU RED II definition of Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO). We look forward to ensuring that EverWind continues to set new standards in sustainable energy.” (ILF CEO Klaus Lässer)

Read the full press release here: 
EverWind Fuels Announces Completion of FEED for its 1st Phase 240,000 Tonne per Annum Green Hydrogen-to-Green Ammonia Plant

In July 1974, half a century ago, ILF was awarded a contract by Iraq’s State Consulting Company for Oil Projects (SCCOP) to provide engineering and consulting services for the construction of the Strategic Pipeline.

In the same year, Mannesmann contracted ILF to provide design services for the Turkish section of the Iraq–Turkey Pipeline (ITP). Additionally, ILF was tasked with assuming responsibility for the hydraulics of the entire 1,000 km system under a further contract from the Iraq National Oil Company (INOC).

ILF’s success in these contracts not only enabled ILF to enter the Middle Eastern and Turkish markets, but also to apply ILF’s pipeline expertise on an international scale for the first time. In addition, assuming a leading role in the field of Pipeline Engineering, which had previously been dominated by American companies, ILF was also able to establish this field in German-speaking countries.

ILF’s pipeline expertise was developed with determination and purpose during ILF’s early years. Initially focused on oil and gas pipelines, it was rapidly expanded to include pipelines for other media. This expertise was instrumental for ILF being awarded the contract for the Riyadh Water Transmission System (RWTS) in 1977.

Looking back on ILF’s history encourages us to continue acquiring new skills and developing existing ones.

Compiled by Adolf H. Feizlmayr (Co-Founder ILF) in July 2024

ILF is honored to be part of the fourth solar project in Oman in collaboration with Oman Power and Water Procurement Company.

The large-scale solar project in the Sultanate – the 500-MW Ibri III Solar Photovoltaics Independent Power Project – will be built on an area of about 10 million square meters in Al Dhahirah Governorate, with commercial operation scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026.

The initiative is a significant step towards Oman’s renewable energy goals, and aligns perfectly with OmanVision2040 and its commitment to NetZero plans.

At ILF, we’re honored to play a pivotal role in this endeavor. Our scope of work includes crucial tasks such as site selection studies, training, environmental authority approvals, and providing technical advisory services.

We’re committed to contributing to a sustainable future and are proud to be part of such a ground-breaking initiative.

Foto: ©Adobe Stock

Our Sustainability Report showcases our strong commitment to sustainability, in line with our vision to be a leader in improving the quality of life around the globe.
Some of the highlights of this year’s report include:

• Planet (Environmental Topics): Disclosure of our greenhouse gas emissions and top 3 sources of emissions in 2023, along with definition of measures to reduce our emissions
• People (Social Topics): Details on our work culture at ILF, the benefits we offer our employees and the contribution we make to society
• Digitalization: Status quo and the measures we are taking to actively drive digital transformation within ILF in order to operate in a more resource-efficient manner and develop innovative solutions
• Governance: An overview of the systems in place at ILF, the principles that guide our business practices, and our measures with regard to compliance and long-term social and environmental compatibility in our design and consulting work

Our focus for 2023 was on our ongoing work to become an Employer of Choice and the further development and implementation of our Net Zero Roadmap.

We are delighted to present our Sustainability Report 2023 at a time of the year when our leaders gather for the annual ILF Leadership Conference, which for 2024 has the theme “Climate Change – Change the Climate?”.

Have a look at ILF’s Sustainability Report here.

Foto: ©Adobe Stock

The European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD) supports Jordan in the development of a green hydrogen production hub in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. Within this initiative, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Jordan has signed MoU with 13 developers for the production of up to 5 million tons of green ammonia per year. The sites for renewable power generation (wind and photovoltaic), for the hub and a water desalination plant have already been identified.

EBRD has now commissioned ILF to prepare the masterplan for the Green Hydrogen Common Infrastructure including the technical and commercial concept for its implementation. ILF’s team consists of more than ten internal and external key experts in areas such as renewables, power transmission, hydrogen production, environment, ports and water desalination.

The objective of the assignment is to provide advice to Jordanian ministries on how to establish a green hydrogen sector in the country. Main work packages are stakeholder engagement, site evaluation, energy infrastructure design from generation to port and the preparation of commercial structuring based on fair risk allocation between all project participants.

The assignment is another cornerstone for ILF to become one of the leading engineering consulting firms for the global energy transition.

In order for Germany to become climate-neutral by 2045, the country’s electricity grid must be expanded. 
High-capacity direct current lines such as SuedLink will play a key role in ensuring a secure supply of green electricity in the future.

In the SuedLink project, another important milestone has been reached: The application documents for the consultation procedure have been submitted in full and on time, which means that the permit application procedure for design section 2 of SuedLink has been completed and is now pending the final decision from the approval authority. The timely submission of the application documents is important not only because of the challenging topography and technically complex closed crossings along the cable route, but also to ensure that construction can begin on schedule.

The next step will be the start of construction design/detailed design and objection management, which will involve responding to objections from public and private stakeholders. This will be followed by a hearing and, ideally, the planning approval decision in spring 2025, after which construction can begin. SuedLink essentially consists of two direct current (DC) transmission lines (two systems with a voltage level of 525 kV, each with two-pole plastic-insulated cables) running from north to south, which have been planned and are to be built and operated in parallel. 

The two lines will be laid side by side for most of the route to minimize the impact of construction on people and the environment. We are proud of our experts who have been contributing to the SuedLink project since 2019. Most recently, this has involved preparing the full permit application design and application documents. 

We would like to congratulate everyone involved in the project on this milestone and we look forward to the next steps.

The Marafiq–Jubail Industrial Water Treatment Plant-8 Expansion Stage 4 project in Saudi Arabia is a critical endeavor that aims to strengthen water treatment infrastructure while promoting sustainability in the region. This project has been meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate new facilities with existing ones, with two primary objectives in mind: to increase the plant’s treatment capacity and to meet Saudi Arabia’s high water quality standards.

Once complete, the project is foreseen to treat influent industrial wastewater at an astonishing rate of 125,000 cubic meters per day. This substantial capacity ensures that the project can meet the ever-increasing demand for clean and treated water in the region. The facilities have been intricately designed to meet the rigorous water quality standards in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Stage 4 layout also allows for future expansion of the system.

The project underscores ILF’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable water management. ILF and its team are pleased to report that progress has been made on this vital water project.

Major rehabilitation work has begun on the Weissenstein Tunnel in Switzerland. The tunnel is currently closed until the work is completed, scheduled for the end of 2025.
The tunnel was opened to traffic in 1908 and needs to be rehabilitated so that it can continue to be used for decades to come.

The Weissenstein Tunnel is a 3.7 km long, over 100 year old single-track railway tunnel that runs through the approximately 1,300 m high Weissenstein mountain and is owned and operated by the Bernese Alpine Railway Company Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon. The existing tunnel has a masonry vault as well as an open water intake and a drainage system. The large groundwater inflow from the mountain, which can be several 100 l/s, has to be collected and diverted.

The rehabilitation work will include localized partial and complete rehabilitation of the vault in various sections of the tunnel, as well as renewal of the tunnel drainage system, cable systems, safety installations and track. Two existing stations will also be gradually modernized to make them accessible.

IG WST (ILF Consulting Engineers in Switzerland and Emch+Berger AG Bern) has been commissioned by the sole contractor – the joint venture ARGE EWT (PORR Group and fretus ag) – as the “Tunnel and Stations Project Manager”, responsible for all rehabilitation works in the tunnel and the stations.

In Aalborg – about a three-hour drive from Esbjerg – the next milestone in Denmark’s sector coupling program will soon be reached; a step towards decarbonizing the heat supply in Denmark. With a total heating capacity of 132 MW, the planned heat pump plant in Aalborg will be two and a half times larger than the world’s largest CO2-based heat pump plant in Esbjerg.

In total, the seawater heat pump plant in Aalborg will supply one third of the city with district heating and save around 160,000 tons of CO2 emissions. The plant, to be built in Denmark’s third largest municipality, will consist of three heat pumps, each with a capacity of 44 MW, and is expected to supply around 550,000 MWh of heat per year. Similar to in Esbjerg, the system in Aalborg will use electricity from renewable energy sources and energy harnessed from seawater to generate heat. Construction of the plant is scheduled to start in August 2024.

We have been suppporting MAN Energy Solutions in the development of and processing of orders for such heat pump plants since 2020, most recently with the heat pump project in Esbjerg.
With the award of the EPC contract for this project in Aalborg to MAN, we are delighted that our team of experts can once again contribute to the planning and implementation of the world’s largest CO2-based heat pump with our electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and automation technology services.

In response to the Paris Agreement (2016) and our ambition at ILF to be net zero not only as a company but also in our project delivery, ILF’s Sustainable Solutions Competence Center has developed a Green House Gases (GHG) methodology to calculate, reduce and mitigate GHG emissions for our clients.

GHG-related “products” and “activities” are critically analyzed by our experts in relation to their design data, emission factor and mitigation potential to arrive at options that provide the best solution for our clients and our planet.

If you are interested in our Sustainable Solutions Services, get in touch with Andrea.Richmond@ilf.com.

ILF Consulting Engineers has been contracted to design the first 8.1 km section of the Metro Line 3 in Warsaw. The section, located in the Praga district of Warsaw, comprises seven stations – six of which will be newly built. There will also be a branch line leading to the Technical and Parking Station called Goat Hill.

Our tasks include preparing an environmental impact report and obtaining a decision on the location of the metro line, developing construction designs and obtaining the necessary administrative decisions, as well as providing author’s supervision. The work will be carried out in a consortium with Metroprojekt.

The Warsaw metro is a modern, safe, environmentally friendly and high-capacity means of public transport, which is extremely important both for the residents of the capital and for visitors – after all, Warsaw is an important transport hub on the map of Europe. In the words of Marcin Przepiórka, Managing Director of ILF Consulting Engineers Polska, “We must not forget how the metro helps to shape the city – wherever the metro is built, we see the city develop”.

The Shuqaiq–Jizan Water Transmission System Phase 4 is already having a significant impact in the Jizan region in Southwest Saudi Arabia, even before it becomes operational. This project is set to enhance the water supply infrastructure in the region, addressing a pressing need for a reliable and efficient water transmission system.
The planned Shuqaiq–Jizan Water Transmission System Phase 4 encompasses an extensive area and aims to deliver an astonishing 600,000 m3  of potable water per day from Shuqaiq to the governorates of the Jizan region.
The backbone of the water transmission system is a colossal network of high-quality steel pipelines stretching over 523 km. These pipelines have been carefully designed to withstand the region’s unique environmental conditions and to deliver water efficiently and reliably.
Eleven pumping stations shall be strategically located along the transmission route to ensure that water can be efficiently transported across varying terrains and elevations. Each station will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to optimize water flow and pressure.
The project includes a network of 77 strategically positioned reservoirs, which shall ensure the consistent availability of water throughout the region. These reservoirs will act as storage and distribution hubs, reducing the risk of water shortages and enhancing overall supply reliability.
18 operational reservoirs will help balance water supply and demand, ensuring a stable and consistent flow of water to consumers.
12 specialized water tanker filling stations shall allow for the efficient refilling of water tankers to supply remote areas in the region. This is especially crucial in areas where direct access to pipelines is limited.
As part of the project’s integration with existing infrastructure, eight tie-in stations will be established to connect to and enhance the functionality of existing reservoirs. This approach not only optimizes resources ,but will also improve the overall water distribution system.
A network of tap-off and cross-over stations shall furthermore ensure that water can be efficiently distributed to various communities, industries and institutions. These stations will facilitate access to water at a local level as well.

The Shuqaiq–Jizan Water Transmission System Phase 4 is a remarkable engineering feat and its realization will be a significant milestone in the development of the Jizan region. With its extensive network of steel pipelines, strategically located pumping stations, and multitude of reservoirs and distribution points, this project is poised to revolutionize the region’s water supply infrastructure, addressing essential water transmission needs for years to come.

Sonangol, Angola’s state-owned energy company, plans to use surplus, low-cost electrical energy from hydroelectric power plants (HPP) in Angola to produce green ammonia. 
In a 400 MW electrolysis and synthesis plant at the Oceânico da Barra do Dande (TOBD) terminal, about 65 km northeast of the Angolan capital Luanda, energy from HPP plants shall be converted into green hydrogen and ammonia before being stored and loaded onto ships for export to Europe. While Africa offers favorable conditions for the production of low-cost, green hydrogen produced in a climate-neutral way, Germany is currently pursuing a strategy to diversify its energy supply.

The 2,000 MW Laúca hydropower plant, located about 200 km southeast of the process plant, shall supply the plant with base-load electricity via the existing power grid. The HPP is currently operating at 1,000 MW rather than at full capacity.

Our team of experts has been commissioned with the pre-FEED (preliminary engineering) for this project. This includes the collection of basic design data, (process and electrical) engineering, preparation of a power grid and power supply concept, cost estimates, environmental and social impact assessments, and risk and safety studies.

Upon conclusion of the almost three-year-long KITT (“Artificial Intelligence for Improvement of Safety of Tunnels and Tunnel Control Centers”) research project, we fom ILF are looking back on great challenges and informative discussions. Coordinated by the Federal Highway Research Institute (“Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen”) in a German-Austrian consortium, options for using Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) to improve the safety of tunnels were developed and tested.

Until the recent completion of the project, the results were tested and demonstrated on real tunnel structures together with the project partners and users from the city of Stuttgart as well as ASFINAG. This showed the great potential of the extensive information from C-ITS, which not only significantly improves the safety in tunnels through the use of real-time risk analyses, but also further increases the efficiency and availability of the road network as a whole. A big step towards innovative solutions for mobility in the future!

The research project is being funded by the Security Research Funding Program (“KIRAS”) set up by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance (“BMF”) and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (“BMBF”) as part of the call for Artificial Intelligence in Civil Security Research (“Künstliche Intelligenz in der zivilen Sicherheitsforschung”).

Mbarara City, the second largest city in southwestern Uganda is facing rapid population growth. With a current population of 500,000 expected to increase by 68% up to 2040, water demand is expected to double. Presently, only a small proportion of the population has access to safe water, which poses health risks.

ILF has worked with its French partner “Cabinet Merlin” to design and implement a water treatment plant and transmission system for the city. The project includes a raw water intake on the Kagera River, a treatment plant with a capacity of 30,000 m3/d, and a 58 km transmission system with reservoirs and pumping stations. ILF’s role included the conceptual design, tendering using FIDIC contracts, bid evaluation, contract support, design review and construction supervision during the 24-month project implementation period. The project is currently in the construction phase.

In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 – Water and Sanitation, this project aims to improve access to water in urban and rural areas, and thus directly improves the quality of life for a significant number of people. The focus is not only on providing safe and affordable drinking water, but also on reducing the health risks associated with untreated water.

The project is also consistent with ILF’s vision of passionately contributing to sustainably improving living conditions worldwide.

Rehabilitation work in the Kerenzerberg Rail Tunnel was successfully completed at the end of 2023.
The Kerenzerberg tunnel, owned and operated by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), is a 3,959 m long twin-track railway tunnel built in 1961. Located in northeast Switzerland, the tunnel is a very important link for domestic and international passenger and freight traffic.

Between August and December 2023, rehabilitation work was carried out to repair wet and dripping spots in the concrete vault and to reduce the amount of mountain water pressure being applied to the vault and to construction joints due to sintered mountain water drainage pipes.
The work was carried out by Fretus AG during the night. Most of the time, only one track was closed, allowing rail traffic to continue running on a single track. The work was completed on time and within budget.

ILF was responsible for the design and the supervision of the site during the rehabilitation work. Many thanks to all involved for the successful and accident-free completion of the project.

The Nova Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL) West Path Delivery 2023 Expansion Program will help North America meet its growing energy needs. By expanding the existing natural gas pipeline system by hundreds of kilometers, Canadian TC Energy’s NGTL project will play a critical role in the global energy transition away from coal-fired power generation and also help compensate for fluctuations in renewable power sources.

ILF has provided Detailed Engineering and Construction Support for both the Longview and Lundbreck sections of the Western Alberta System Mainline Loop No 2. The large NPS 48 pipeline for these two sections traverses both agricultural and mountainous terrain, which the ILF team has accommodated for in its design.

TC Energy completed construction of the system and achieved an in-service date in Q4 2023 for all project components of the NGTL West Path Delivery 2023 Expansion Program. As an engineering service provider, the greatest reward for completing this project is the satisfaction and appreciation of our clients.

In Norway, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) is currently building the twin-tube Boknafjord Tunnel north of Stavanger as part of the E39 Rogfast project. This tunnel will be the longest and deepest underwater road tunnel in the world, with a length of 26.7 km and a depth of 390 m below sea level at its deepest point. Statens vegvesen has selected this project, amongst others, as a pilot project for more sustainable construction through the use of electrically powered heavy construction machinery.

Statens vegvesen has commissioned a consortium, consisting of ILF Consulting Engineers in Norway, ILF Consulting Engineers in Austria, Graz University of Technology (Austria) and Søvik Consulting (Norway), to carry out a risk assessment for the use of battery-electric dump trucks during the excavation of the Boknafjord Tunnel. The detailed study has shown through fire simulations that large fires in remote underground locations that involve either a conventional diesel or a battery-electric dump truck both require evacuation of the workforce to rescue shelters. While fires involving large traction batteries are estimated to potentially last longer, currently available dump trucks incorporate multiple layers of built-in battery management and fire safety systems to reduce the likelihood of such hazards. The study has also highlighted the limitations of the battery capacities currently in use in battery-electric dump trucks – in particular in case of operation in high-energy-demand conditions such as in deep underwater tunnels. Currently available dump trucks typically counteract this through battery regeneration, augmented by battery swapping solutions, requiring energy management strategies to be included in the tunnelling process.

By providing this service, the consortium has made a targeted contribution to one of the largest tunnel projects ever to be built in Norway and to the sustainability of tunnelling in general. The risk study has provided new insights into the fire risks and process impacts that should be considered when using battery-electric dump trucks. More information about the study, including the report from the detailed study, can be found on Statens vegvesen’s website.

The Hydro4U demonstration hydropower plant in At-Bashy has reached the detailed design phase. The use of dedicated structural analysis software has facilitated the adoption of an integrated BIM solution for the detailed design of the At-Bashy hydropower plant in Kyrgyzstan.

ILF, which has been responsible for the detailed design of the At-Bashy demonstration hydropower plant, prepared formwork and reinforcement drawings for the construction of the modular Hydroshaft Power Solution (HSPS). During this process, optimizations and structural adjustments were made to the design; all using Building Information Modelling (BIM) – exemplifying how dedicated structural analysis software enables an integrated BIM solution.

The workflow used can be described as follows: The basic design was prepared by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and provided to ILF for further development and review. After an initial review of the basic design elements, which include subdivision of the hydropower plant with construction joints, a three-dimensional (3D) structural Finite Element Model (FEM) was created. Dead load, earth pressure and external influences such as water pressure were defined and applied to this model. These loads induce stresses in the structure that were calculated using the FEM.

As a result of these calculations, the required reinforcement according to the applied load was then visible in the model. An example of the required stirrup reinforcement is shown below. The required reinforcement is defined and set for each element in the model.

The FEM is a supplement to the larger BIM model, allowing plausibility checks regarding the location, quantity and spacing of the reinforcement to be conducted easily, and thus helping to ensure the practicality of its installation on site.

BIM models can be visualized using different views. In addition to full 3D views, sections and viewing angles can be displayed. Dimensions and further information can be added to the views. As only one model is used, these individual views can be used for formwork and reinforcement drawings. The reinforcement material list generated by the software can also be added to the drawings.

The BIM approach makes it possible for everyone involved in a project to have a good overview of the project at all times by using a cloud-based setup. The model is stored on a platform so that multiple users and experts from different disciplines can follow the progress of the project and intervene, if necessary.

In this project, the 3D model was stored in a cloud to give all relevant project members insight into the progress of the design work. The 3D model was used as the basis for discussing all coordination issues, which were resolved before the 2D drawings were started. The reinforcement was also part of the 3D model which allowed a high level of accuracy to ensure practicality on site.

Learn more: Hydro4U

ILF Consulting Engineers has provided technical advisory services to Saudi Aramco for the Zuluf Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Transaction Project. The project, which also includes a gas separation unit, is a crucial component of the extensive Zuluf Oil Field Development Program, which is currently working on the significant expansion of the Zuluf Oil Field by increasing the field’s daily production capacity. This expansion plays a vital role in Saudi Aramco’s overall oil production strategy and contributes to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s economy.

Saudi Aramco awarded the project to a consortium led by AWS Water Purification Company, operating under a 25-year Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) concession. This is a milestone of great significance as the financial closure of the project marks the commencement of the WTP Phase I construction phase.

The WTP is designed to have a capacity in excess of 1.1 million barrels per day and will be responsible for treating water for injection purposes, using groundwater from the reservoir.

ILF Consulting Engineers has played a key role as Technical Advisor throughout the transaction period of this Zuluf Water Treatment Plant Project. In this capacity, ILF assumed responsibility for all technical aspects within the Request for Proposal (RfP) document that forms part of the project’s RfP package. The RfP package outlines the developer’s obligations, which include engineering, design, supply of materials, construction, inspection, testing, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant for its entire 25-year contract period.

ILF has provided effective support to Saudi Aramco, from the preparation of the tender package all the way through to financial closure.

ILF’s Scope of work:

• • Technical Advisory Services during the Transaction Phase
  • Review and Update of Technical Functional requirements
  • Request for Proposal (RFP) Strategy and Preparation
  • Cost Estimate and Conceptual Design
  • Technical Tender Evaluation
  • Support during Negotiation and Financial Closure

Foto: ©Adobe Stock

For many years, the Indian government has been making great efforts to expand the country’s antiquated and largely weak electricity grid. The current installed power generation capacity is insufficient for the rapidly growing population and economy, and power outages are almost a daily occurrence. Efforts to expand this capacity are heavily focused on the use of renewable energy.

The local grid operator West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) has commissioned ILF’s team of experts as the Owner’s Engineer to design and construct a new photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Goaltore, approximately 150 km west of Kolkata. The power plant will have a total capacity of 135 MWp and will be equipped with bifacial mono passivated emitter and real cell (PERC) solar modules and central inverters. The client will also construct a new substation (33 kV / 132 kV) directly adjacent to the PV plant. The electricity generated here will then be fed into the high-voltage grid. Commissioning of the PV power plant is scheduled for July 2024.

Foto: ©Adobe Stock

In 2021, ILF Consulting Engineers was appointed by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) as the Technical Advisor for the United Arab Emirates megaproject of Large-Scale Seawater Treatment and Water Transmission, with a total value of USD 2.4 billion.

An important milestone was achieved in May 2023 when ADNOC and the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA) selected a consortium, consisting of Orascom Construction and Metito, to develop a seawater treatment plant and transmission pipeline at the Bab and Bu Hasa fields in Abu Dhabi as part of the ongoing project. In addition, ADNOC and PJSC (TAQA) have successfully completed the financial closing of the project in September 2023.

Throughout the entire tender preparation process, ILF has been working on the conceptual design, site surveys, environmental studies, preparation of the technical components of the tender package, and technical bid evaluation, leading to the achievement of this important milestone for ADNOC.

The project will replace deep aquifer water systems with a centralized seawater treatment plant and transmission network, contributing to the UAE’s sustainability targets.

The megaproject is in line with the UAE’s commitment to minimize water abstraction and freshwater consumption through careful water management planning. The project further curtails ADNOC’s environmental footprint and supports the UAE’s economic and industrial growth under ADNOC’s In-Country Value (ICV) program.

ILF is proud to be part of this megaproject and to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s vision for a sustainable future.

Foto: ©Adobe Stock

One of ILF’s core competences is hydropower engineering. The ILF office in Bangkok was involved with various projects within Southeast Asia and beyond utilizing these competences. Notable projects include the design and implementation involvement of 130 MW Nam Emoun Hydropower Project in Lao PDR and the design of the 2,500 MW Saravan Mekong mainstream hydropower project.

ILF prioritizes sustainability, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and emphasizing the transition to renewable energy, particularly hydropower. ILF is renowned for our expertise in hydropower and pumped storage design, offering comprehensive services from project initiation to commissioning.

ILF Thailand has integrated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the design process of hydraulic structures. Amongst other software, ILF makes use of Simscale for 3D CFD modeling to optimize hydraulic structures for various hydropower projects, focusing on intricate flow characteristics found in hydraulic structures such as spillways, drop structures and structures transitioning between free-flow and pressurized conditions.

While somewhat off-track from ILF Thailand’s core business, one notable case study involves the design optimization of a siphon pit within a combined cycle gas-fired power plant’s main cooling water system. Through CFD simulations using Simscale, ILF achieved several benefits, including enhanced surface protection to prevent concrete erosion, stabilization of the nappe, and reduced air entrainment in the outfall conveyance line, resulting in safer, more efficient, and robust hydraulic structures.

The Rimpar Compressor Station, run by the gas network operator Open Grid Europe (OGE), is one of the most important nodes in the German and Central European Gas Network. The compressor station will play a decisive role in ensuring the security and availability of gas supply in Germany.

To accommodate the growing importance of the station and ensure gas transportation on one of the main transport routes between East and West, a completely new facility was built next to the existing compressor station between 2020 and mid-2023. The new facility covers an area of around ten soccer fields and includes approximately 6.5 kilometers of pipelines. Its construction includes the installation of three new compressor units (12 MW each) and a new gas pressure regulating and metering station with the associated interconnecting pipelines and tie-ins to the existing MEGAL pipeline system. The new facility fulfills the highest environmental requirements. The integration of the station into the neighboring gas network additionally ensures long-term security of supply along the route.

Since the beginning of the project, our team of experts has been commissioned by the operator OGE, with the basic design, detailed design, construction supervision, commissioning and the final documentation of this compressor station.

One of the most challenging aspects of the project has been the hillside location on which the new facility is built, as well as the large spatial extent of the construction site. At the start of construction, around 70,000 m³ of material was moved for levelling and terracing. Inside the station there are differences in height of almost 30 meters.

The last documents for the final documentation are currently being prepared. All necessary acceptance tests have been successfully completed. With a flow rate of 550,000 Nm3/h to 1,400,000 Nm3/h and a station design pressure of 100 bar for the main gas system, the compressor station is already in the operational phase. Regular operation was scheduled for the end of 2023. However, this has been brought forward thanks to the accelerated processing of the project by ILF, which meant that handover and the start of operation took place in mid-2023.

ILF Consulting Engineers has reached another historic milestone in its more than 50 years of engineering excellence. We are incredibly proud to have been selected as the consultant of choice for pre-development studies for utility-scale wind parks in Saudi Arabia. The objective of the assignments is to provide world-class engineering services up to a development stage where the parks can be tendered on a design-build basis. The pre-development studies shall include:

• • Preliminary site assessment
  • Preliminary and advanced design (design basis, single line diagram, energy yield assessment, Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) optimization, wind master plan)
  • Some on-site assessments (topography, hydrology, geotechnical campaign, aeronautical and radar assessment)
  • Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
  • Foundation recommendations (including deep and shallow foundations, retaining walls, pipeline anchors, earthworks, dikes and embankments, among others)
  • Wind measurement plan (to be considered for the client to obtain wind data)
  • Permitting engineering

The projects are being designed with a focus on sustainability, innovation and cutting edge technology – a perfect fit with ILF’s commitment to climate protection and its vision of improving the quality of life around the globe.

During 1983 – 40 years ago – the RWTS (Lines A & B) went into operation. It is the world’s first closed high-pressure water pipeline system, designed to transport 830,000 m³ of water from Al Jubayl on the Arabian Gulf over 467 km to Riyadh.

It was very courageous of ILF, a very young company at the time, to apply this innovative concept without carrying out any pilot tests. A recap of the key data: Double pipeline with a diameter of 60” (1524 mm), total head of the system: 2340 m, 6 pumping stations with an installed capacity of 430 MW.

Under the management of ILF, the RWTS was constructed on budget in just under 3 years. The technical concept has proven itself from the very beginning, with the RWTS still pumping water to Riyadh today.

ILF has made history in pipeline engineering with this project.

To this day, the RWTS serves as a technical model for many successor projects, especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

But it is also a model for a decades-long client relationship based on trust and for excellent cooperation between the ILF companies involved, especially from Austria, Germany and Saudi Arabia.

Adolf Feizlmayr’s Inspiring Journey

From a farm in Upper Austria to a global engineering powerhouse, Adolf Feizlmayr’s journey is inspiring. Within ILF’s very first projects, the ambition and innovation of the two founders were evident. Their success, from pioneering projects such as the Arlberg Tunnel to the Riyadh Water Transmission System, underlines ILF’s commitment to excellence and sustainability.

ILF’s core values of respect, honesty, reliability and fairness drive the company’s global presence. Adolf Feizlmayr contributes to competence management and climate change mitigation, and supports students through the Adolf Feizlmayr Foundation.

The future of ILF is filled with promise as the company works to transform the global energy system and address climate change. With a dedicated team and forward-thinking leadership, ILF remains committed to advancing engineering excellence and sustainability.

Click here for the interview:
A.Feizlmayr – A Lifetime of Engineering Achievements

A large portion of Pakistan’s renewable energy and hydropower potential is concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the country’s northwestern province, with 40 million inhabitants. However, only a portion of this potential has been developed so far. The Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) is therefore pursuing a public-private renewable energy and hydropower development program to develop the potential for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and other provinces in Pakistan to meet their energy needs. Opportunities for exporting surplus energy to neighboring countries, such as Afghanistan, are also being explored.

ILF, together with Tractebel Engineering, the leader of the Joint Venture (JV) for this project, has been awarded a contract from PEDO for the provision of consultancy services as planning consultants for this hydropower and renewable energy development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project is being funded by the World Bank, under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hydropower and Renewable Energy (KHRE) program.

Work on the project commenced in May 2023, with a project kick-off meeting in Peshawar. The first part of the project involves preparing a master plan for the development of hydropower and renewable energy projects (photovoltaic plants and wind projects) in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This master plan will consider criteria such as plant size, transmission lines, demand projections, project economics and socio-environmental impacts, in order to prioritize identified projects. Based on these criteria, an optimal portfolio of projects will be derived and included in the proposed investment program. The investment program takes into account public and private funded investments for a period of 25 years. In the next project stages, the recommended projects will be further evaluated in more detail through pre-feasibility, feasibility, and detailed design studies. The hydropower projects are expected to have an installed capacity in the range between 50 MW and 400 MW (as per TOR the minimum capacity for Hydropower Plant is 300MW and for renewable is 50MW). The consultants are also identifying suitable photovoltaic and wind power generation sites at locations throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In addition, the project will include a capacity building and training program for the stakeholders of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to help with the implementation of the energy development program.

As part of the JV, ILF will be responsible for the preparation of the investment program, the hydraulic design, the structural design of the power stations and intake structures, the design of the mechanical equipment, hydraulic steel structures and penstocks, and for the design of the electrical equipment for the power stations. Furthermore, ILF will also be responsible for the economic and financial assessment during the various project stages, as well as capacity building and training.

Bane NOR’s Drammen–Kobbervikdalen project aims to increase rail capacity between Drammen and Tønsberg, enabling two trains per hour to run in each direction between Oslo and Tønsberg upon its completion. The most technically challenging part of the 10 kilometers of new double-track railway is the UKD2 – Soil Tunnel, a 300-m-long tunnel section of the 7-km-long tunnel from Drammen to Kobbervikdalen.

The design of the Soil Tunnel had to overcome a number of technical challenges – primarily due to the geological/hydrogeological environment and its urban location. The tunnel had to be excavated in glaciofluvial sediments with low cohesion and high permeability below the groundwater table. Extensive jet grouting was carried out from the surface in advance of the tunneling works in order to strengthen the perimeter of the excavation profile; thus increasing stability during excavation, reducing ground movement and minimizing water ingress into the tunnel without lowering the groundwater table. In addition, strategically positioned jet grout columns helped to improve face stability and divide the jet grout ring around the tunnel into compartments that could then be dewatered prior to tunnel excavation, providing a safe and controlled environment during construction.

The comprehensive approach to the design of this tunnel also includes a tunnel waterproofing system and permanent support, as well as detailed management plans for surface and in-tunnel monitoring.

The design has been developed using Building Information Modeling (BIM), which has helped to integrate the different design packages and engineering disciplines involved into a single project coordination model. The use of 3D modeling showcases the precise engineering of critical elements such as rock injection arrays, spiles and rock bolts.

The price of electricity in Burkina Faso is among the highest on the continent and power outages are common. In Bobo Dioulasso, a city in Burkina Faso, a PV solar plant with a total capacity of 30 MWp combined with a 10 MWh battery storage unit will be built and connected to the Kodéni substation. This project will sustainably improve the energy supply in the country and provide access to energy for the local and regional population.

Our ILF team has been appointed as Owner’s Engineer for the provision of consultancy services and will support the Société Nationale d’Electricité du Burkina (SONABEL) in all phases of the project: at the beginning with studies and the conceptual design, with technical specifications and tender documents, as well as with the award of contracts. Furthermore, ILF will be in charge of the supervision of the construction works up to commissioning and also of the performance review during the two years of operation and maintenance (O&M), providing also capacity building support to SONABEL’s staff during all project phases.

The Gut Großlappen Wastewater Treatment Plant has been in operation since 1926 and, together with the Gut Marienhof Wastewater Treatment Plant, treats the entire wastewater generated in the Bavarian state capital of Munich and the neighboring communities connected to it.
In June 2023, ILF Consulting Engineers Austria GmbH, together with GFM Bau- und Umweltingenieure GmbH, was commissioned with the overall engineering services for the implementation of a project to secure and expand the inflow capacities at the plant (assignment stage 1, service phase 1–2). This essentially comprises the screen system, grit chambers, primary and secondary sedimentation tanks as well as centrate treatment tanks. A study of alternatives to determine the most beneficial project solution forms part of the engineering services in service phase (SPH) 2. Taking account all of the assignment stages 1–3, the joint venture’s planning contract includes the construction design (SPH 1–8), structural design (SPH 1–6) and planning of the technical equipment (SPH 1–8).
Execution of the engineering services for SPH 1–7 is anticipated to take place between summer 2023 and spring 2028, an execution of the construction works is expected to take place in the period between fall 2023 and early 2032.

Since it was decided that the S 10 Mühlviertel Expressway (AUT) would be extended in 2002, ILF has been involved in helping ASFINAG with project management and project coordination, performing studies of alternatives, the preliminary design, the EIA permit application design and other individual permit procedures, as well as the detailed design for this project. In addition, ILF has delivered services relating to road design, tunnel design and tunnel safety, as well as geological/hydrogeological design, for certain sub-sections of the road.

For more than 20 years, ILF has proven itself to be a reliable partner for the planning, design and preparation of construction works for the S 10 Mühlviertel Expressway, and we are proud to have been significantly involved along the entire route.

The S 10 runs from the end of the A 7 motorway in the North of Austria, over a 38-km-long stretch, to the border crossing with the Czech Republic. The Southern Section of the expressway (approximately 22 km long) has already been completed, and was opened to traffic in December 2015.

In 2013, ILF was commissioned to prepare a conceptual study for the Northern Section of the expressway, and was subsequently also awarded the contract for project management for the preliminary design, EIA permit application design and other individual permit procedures, as well as the detailed design for the first sub-section. The construction works will start in October 2023.

In 2021, ILF was also commissioned to perform an alignment study and to deliver project management services for the selection of the final alignment for the preliminary design, EIA permit application design and other individual permit procedures for the last section of the road. Construction works for this last approximately 8.5-km-long section of the road are scheduled to start in 2028/2029.

We would like to thank ASFINAG for the trust that they have placed in us over the years, and look forward to continuing our exciting work!

Tbilisi City Hall, in collaboration with the German Development Bank (KfW), is set to implement the Sustainable Urban Mobility Program in Tbilisi (SUMP) – a program which ILF is helping to implement as part of a consulting consortium.

Over a period of five years, the project shall focus on enhancing the city’s transport infrastructure and relevant services by promoting the sustainable development of the capital’s urban transport system and infrastructure, improving the ecological situation and ensuring safe passenger transport.

SUMP will employ an integrated multidisciplinary approach to create a sustainable and environmental-friendly transport network. It will incorporate an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) to enhance passenger safety and improve traffic flow, public transport management and traffic light control.

Furthermore, the project will expand the eco-transport network, establishing a comprehensive system of bus lanes and safe spaces for pedestrians and cyclists. These measures aim to significantly reduce traffic-related air pollution and emissions while also promoting a healthier lifestyle.

The consulting consortium commissioned for the project consists of GOPA Infra (Germany), ILF Consulting Engineers (Austria/Georgia), the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) (Austria) and A+S Consult (Germany). This consortium has recently organized an inception workshop, which was attended by high-level officials from the city municipality, municipal council, Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure, the KfW, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), municipal transport operators, the police, NGOs and other stakeholders. The consortium was represented at the workshop by ILF Georgia. This workshop summarized the overall objectives of the assignment, the timeline, key deliverables and the next steps; and was followed by a Q&A session.

As the use of renewable energy grows in line with decarbonization targets, so does the need for renewable energy storage. When batteries become too expensive and there is no more potential for pumped storage, electrolyzer facilities for hydrogen production come into play. Hynergy, together with Baywa and Tyczka, as well as the administrative districts of Landshut and Munich (GER), are planning a hydrogen production plant on the site of the Pfeffenhausen Hydrogen Application Center.

Earlier this summer, more than 100 stakeholders from various companies, including ILF Consulting Engineers, came significantly closer to the goal of realizing this plant, with the delivery of the first trailer that can be filled with hydrogen. This trailer will make it possible to transport H2 to various hydrogen filling stations in the region. At the same time, the concrete works are also progressing well, enabling assembly of the pressure-alkaline electrolyzers and other heavy equipment to also take place in summer. The plant, with a design capacity of 5 MW for the first phase, can later be doubled in size. It will be connected via a 20 kV dedicated line to the solar and wind power plants planned to be built in the vicinity of the site, and thus will be supplied with 100% renewable energy. The 1.2 tons of hydrogen produced on average by the plant per day will initially be used exclusively for mobility purposes. The administrative districts as well as the first regional bus companies are gradually converting their bus fleets to hydrogen buses, and hydrogen-powered buses are already being used for local public transportation. In addition, more hydrogen filling stations are being built.

We are proud to have supported the project by preparing the application for approval under the Federal Immission Control Act (Bundesimmissionsschutzverordnung – BimSchV) and the application for the preliminary environmental impact assessment.

The BalWin4 & LanWin1 as well as the BalWin3 & LanWin4 offshore grid connection systems in Northern Germany will, in the future, connect the large wind farms in the North Sea with the onshore transmission grid.

For Tennet Offshore GmbH, ILF is currently mapping the different biotope types for the onshore route of these systems and is identifying protected biotopes so that adverse effects on nature and the landscape can be minimized during construction of the transmission line route. As part of the mapping process, an assessment is also being made as to whether the route of the transmission line needs to be adapted again, or whether areas that are particularly worthy of protection should be crossed using the cut-and-cover method in order to avoid adverse effects being had on nature and the landscape.

The ILF team is responsible for keeping the long-term impact on the environment as low as possible. The results of the mapping process will subsequently be incorporated into the various documents (environmental impact study, landscape management plan, Natura 2000 compatibility studies).

Leran more about both projects here: BalWin3 & LanWin4 (tennet.eu) & BalWin4 & LanWin1 (tennet.eu)

The energy transition in Germany requires powerful supra-regional direct current links for the distribution of electricity from renewable sources. The Rhein-Main-Link, an over 500-km-long underground cable connection, will transport electricity from offshore wind farms in the North Sea to the Rhein-Main region in the future. The Rhein-Main-Link is one of four links that is designed to meet the strong growth in energy demand in the Rhein-Main metropolitan region in the coming years.

The consortium comprising Arcadis Germany GmbH and ILF Beratende Ingenieure will support the grid operator Amprion with a technical planning review of the Federal Network Agency’s preliminary preference area as well as with the necessary route planning services. The goal is to apply for planning approval and to submit the plan and documents.

Heike Hackemesser, Sales Director Resilience of Arcadis, and Fred Wendt, Managing Director of ILF, are delighted about the opportunity to combine Arcadis’ and ILF’s expertise in the areas of energy transition and transmission grids for the first time in a lighthouse project such as the Rhein-Main-Link: “We are excellently positioned to provide consulting and planning support to our client Amprion in this complex major project with its ambitious schedule.”

Due to the decarbonization of industrial processes as well as more electric vehicles and heat pumps, the energy demand in the Rhein-Main region is increasing enormously. In Hesse, not only millions of private households but also hundreds of companies will benefit from the future wind power connection in ten years’ time.

The draft of the 2037/2045 Electricity Grid Development Plan envisages four direct current links in one route for this project. This will bring a combined wind energy output of around eight gigawatts from the North Sea to southern Hesse. The total investment for the four links is estimated at several billion Euros. Completion of the application for planning approval is scheduled for June 2024, with final route planning in March 2028. The first link to the Rhein-Main region is scheduled to go into operation in 2033.

At ILF Consulting Engineers, we’re dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities worldwide.

One of our projects addresses the critical need for water supply in Lyari, the oldest part of Karachi, and reflects our ethos of #improvingqualityoflife around the world.
Water pipelines starting at Keenjhar Lake with an overall length of approx. 110 km and diameters up to 84″ are planned and will provide the area and the local community with potable water for daily use. ILF Austria is working in a Joint Venture with local partners and is also supported by the ILF Pakistan office.
ILF was involved in the system design during the tender phase and is presently responsible for the design review and providing consulting services to the end client WAPDA – (Pakistan) Water and Power Development Authority.

Watch the video to learn how this project is set to transform the lives of one million people by providing clean and accessible water by 2024.
There are English subtitles available (if it doesn’t come on automatically) – click next to the Settings wheel (bottom right)

ILF has built up vast experience in the refinery business over the last decades. Trusting in our capabilities, one of ILF’s major clients asked our engineers to assist them with a turnaround in their refinery in Romania.

The maintenance work for this turnaround had to be completed within one month. While three projects only had to be completed, one of the projects had to be completely implemented within this short period of time. The ILF team completed more than 30 tie-ins for the ongoing tank construction projects during this month.

During the turnaround, ILF’s team of engineers was involved in all activities related to:

• • piping, mechanical, civil, electrical and instrumentation engineering
  • safety coordination
  • logistics

We are very proud to say that in the more than 3,000 hours of supervision and technical assistance provided by ILF, not a single incident occurred.

The Greater Zurich Area is currently much better connected to the Extra-High Voltage (EHV) grid from the North than it is from the South. In the North, the 220-kV grid extends as far as the city of Zurich. In the South, on the other hand, connection points are only connected to the city boundary with one 150-kV line each. Swissgrid therefore plans to connect the new Waldegg Substation to the EHV grid so that the EHV grid in future also extends as far as the city of Zurich from the South.

On behalf of @Swissgrid and @ewz, we – as part of the engineering consortium KiWa220 (c/o @ILF Consulting Engineers in Switzerland, @Suisseplan Ingenieure) – have been responsible, since February, for the overall project management of the planning and design of the new Waldegg Substation. From here, electricity will flow into the city of Zurich. The substation will be built underground to minimize its impact on the landscape and visibleness from the neighboring residential area as much as possible.

We would like to thank the client for the trust which they have placed in us and are pleased to be able to make a contribution to the security of electricity supply in the city of Zurich.

Leran more about this project in detail…

Hyphen’s project is one of the largest green hydrogen projects globally, and will supply and decarbonise Namibia’s energy systems, as well as exporting to international markets. Hyphen is targeting annual production of one million tonnes of green ammonia by 2027, with plans to increase annual production to two million tonnes by 2029, cutting 5-6 million tonnes in CO2 emissions every year. Operating at full scale, Hyphen’s project could produce 350,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually.

The project in Tsau // Khaeb National Park will act as a blueprint for future green hydrogen projects globally. Hyphen Hydrogen Energy (Hyphen) recently announced the signing of a partnership agreement with ILF Consulting Engineers (ILF) to support the delivery of its ground-breaking green hydrogen project.

As part of an integrated team, ILF will provide project management services and technical expertise to drive Hyphen’s project in Namibia, as well as procurement and contract advice. ILF will also provide implementation expertise in support of Hyphen’s socio-economic-development goals.

Marco Raffinetti, CEO of Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, said: “Our partnership with ILF marks an exciting step towards establishing Namibia as a world leader in the green hydrogen sector. ILF’s experience working on hydrogen projects across the world will be invaluable and will help Hyphen meet the project timelines and Namibia’s development objectives. “This appointment, combined with our engagement with potential consortium partners, shows there is massive interest in Namibia from those looking to invest in one of the world’s lowest cost and most advanced large scale green hydrogen projects. We look forward to working closely with ILF in the delivery of this transformative project.”

Dr. Michel Kneller, Director of Hydrogen at ILF, said: “We are proud to be a part of this significant lighthouse project. By providing our engineering and project management consultancy (PMC) services to this unique venture, we can contribute to the energy transition. Hydrogen plays a crucial role in transforming our energy system, and we are convinced it is key to a sustainable future.”

ILF has signed a contract with Gasgrid Vetyverkot Oy, which was founded to promote the development of the Finnish hydrogen network, international infrastructure cooperation and the hydrogen market in Finland and the surrounding area.
The contract includes the basic design for a hydrogen transmission pipeline (approx. 23 km long) in Finland, along with a compressor station and related infrastructure. In addition, ILF will support the client in obtaining the necessary permits and agreements in consultation with local institutions.

The pipeline will transport hydrogen produced at the Kemira Oyj’s plant in Joutseno to the Ovako Imatra Oy Ab’s steel mill in Imatra.
This is the first hydrogen transmission project that extends beyond an industrial site.

The project will enable the implementation of the first complete hydrogen value chain in Finland, from electricity to hydrogen produced as a by-product in the chemical industry and to the end products of the green steel industry.

This will be the first step towards the development of domestic and international hydrogen-based markets and hydrogen transmission infrastructure.

As part of the engineering consortium ʺIngenieurgemeinschaft Fernbahntunnel Frankfurt am Mainʺ, ILF has been tasked with designing/producing the preliminary design for a new tunnel and new underground station for long-distance traffic beneath Frankfurt’s terminus station. ILF is significantly involved in the technical design of the tunnel structures, emergency exits and bifurcation structures in connection with the underground station.

Once the future tunnel has been commissioned and goes into operation, the majority of long-distance trains will be able to approach the new station through the tunnel. This will not only eliminate the bottlenecks at Frankfurt’s existing main station, but will also allow local and regional public transport to flow more smoothly into the main station, as well as enable the expansion of local and regional public transport services as required.

Of the three corridors examined in the feasibility study, the Southern Corridor was the corridor option to be chosen. The advantage of this option is that the future tunnel can be connected to the existing railway lines in the direction of Hanau at two separate points. These connections will mean that all trains heading in this direction will be able to run at optimum capacity, and traffic can be better distributed over the existing routes. To the West, the tunnel will be connected to the planned third Niederrad Bridge.

Further information on the project can be found at https://www.fernbahntunnel-frankfurt.de

Shell has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Energy in Kazakhstan to help Kazakhstan achieve its energy transition targets. Under this memorandum, Shell has implemented the ʺSolar for Schoolsʺ initiative at the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS), which has involved the installment of grid-connected solar PV systems at five schools across Kazakhstan.

Shell contracted ILF as an Owner’s Engineer to supervise all the technical aspects of this project. This supervision has involved performing the following tasks:

• • Providing support with project development
  • Conducting a study to assess the economic benefits of the solar PV installations
  • Providing support with the EPC tender
  • Assisting with EPC engineering and pre-construction activities
  • Providing support with EPC construction and commissioning

The installed PV systems cover up to 30% of the schools’ annual electricity consumption and feed any surplus electricity that is generated by the system into the municipal grid, generating significant savings. In addition, the project aims to encourage and promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education among younger generations and to raise awareness of the benefits and new opportunities associated with the use of renewable energy.

The first school to benefit from this project was the NIS School of Physics and Mathematics in Astana in 2018. Now, in 2023, the last of the five schools has received its PV system.

The ILF teams in Kazakhstan and Germany combined their global solar expertise and knowledge of local standards and regulations and are proud to have led this project to success.

The Gemeinschaftskraftwerk Weerbach (GKW) Hydropower Plant was inaugurated at the end of June.
​​​​The GKW Hydropower Plant uses the natural hydraulic power of the Weerbach stream. Water is fed via a water intake structure, located at around 1,500 masl, and an approximately 4-km-long penstock, to the power house, located at around 1,100 masl. At the power house, a Pelton turbine with a capacity of 1.7 MW generates around 7.5 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, which is fed into two grids via a 25 kV and/or 10 kV transmission line.

After flowing through the turbine, the water is fed into the intake of the downstream hydropower plant, where it is used once again to generate electricity. A second option would be to discharge the water leaving the turbine directly into the Weerbach stream so that the GKW Hydropower Plant can also be operated independently of the existing downstream hydropower plant.

In the residual flow section at the GKW Hydropower Plant, discharge into the Weerbach stream is varied as ecological flow to ensure compliance with ecological requirements and to maintain the hydrological and environmental balance in accordance with the granted permit.

The short construction period of around one year is remarkable and was only possible thanks to the extremely cooperative relationship between all those involved.
We are proud to have been able to successfully complete our work on this complex project, and warmly congratulate all those involved.

Za’atari Camp is located in the Jordanian desert, about 10 km west of the city of Al Mafraq. Since its establishment in 2012, the camp has developed into an urban settlement, and is currently home to about 80,000 people, most of them refugees who have fled from the civil war in their home country of Syria. While the sanitation system in the camp has gradually evolved over time with the provision of a camp-wide sewer system and a wastewater treatment plant, the sludge management currently practiced is based on the transportation of liquid sludge over long distances by trucks and sludge disposal in remote areas.

In 2022, ILF was contracted to provide consulting services aimed at improving sludge management in Za’atari Refugee camp in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner. This multi-donor action is jointly co-financed by the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis (EUTF Syria) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and is being implemented by GIZ. Under the contract, ILF and its local partner Engicon have produced three main deliverables: 1) a Pre-Feasibility Study, 2) a Feasibility Study and 3) Tender Documents for Consulting Services covering the Conceptual Design, Tendering and Construction Supervision.

The objective of the preliminary studies was to establish baseline conditions and data, identify and evaluate options for sludge management, and select the preferred option. The preferred option that was selected was greenhouse sludge drying in conjunction with a series of upstream sludge treatment facilities at the existing wastewater treatment plant. Consultations and workshops with stakeholders were critical to the decision-making process regarding selection of the preferred sludge management option.

We would like to thank all stakeholders (including the EU, the German government, GIZ, UNICEF, UNHCR, WAJ, Yarmouk Water Company, Oxfam and the FAO amongst others) for their joint support in this assignment and wish them every success for the implementation of the project!

ILF Consulting Engineers has always been deeply involved in the design and management of projects involving storage tanks. It is therefore no surprise that, in recent years, the team at ILF Romania has been working on a project involving a large capacity crude oil storage tank – providing services from the design phase through to the construction management and supervision phase. The crude oil storage tank at the center of the complex project, which started several years ago with a solution and capacity selection study, has a capacity of 60,000 m3 and has been designed based on one of the safest storage solutions in the oil and gas industry in terms of environmental impact and operational safety.

This Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) project, entrusted to ILF Consulting Engineers in Romania since the feasibility phase, has now reached the construction phase (half of the construction period has already passed) and is already showing some quite impressive results.

The design currently being realized has been developed up to the detailed designed phase, and for that the whole team has produced a complete set of documentation including workshop drawings for every detail.

The tank has a double shell and a double bottom, a full contact internal floating cover, which fulfills the role of retaining at least 98% of the vapor emissions, and a fixed aluminum dome cover. The outer shell replaces the retention basin, and the double bottom enables possible leaks to be monitored.
The tank is also equipped with a product heating system (steam coil), a homogenization system (3 mixers on the inner shell) and a system for product sampling at certain levels.

In this context, Adrian Stoica (General Manager of ILF in Romania) would like to express his special thanks to the entire team of ILF Romania for the excellent engagement and dedication during this project.

The preparation of specifications for wastewater treatment will benefit the people of Saudi Arabia for years to come and is in line with the Kingdom’s strategy to provide water and wastewater treatment services of the highest quality. The decision to implement high-quality solutions that meet the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s water management needs is a major step towards Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 regarding water quality, sustainability and environmental protection.

The National Water Company (NWC) has commissioned ILF to develop the following documents:

• • Technical Specifications
  • Design Manual Guideline – for the wastewater system, sewage pumping stations, force (pressure) mains & TSE network
  • Typical drawings/data sheets for mechanical, electrical & control, automation & integration philosophy

The specifications shall consider a number of criteria related to the infrastructure’s ability to ensure operational efficiency. Preparation of such specifications involves assessing the extent to which they can ensure high output performance, a certain redundancy configuration, durability and maintainability. The specifications are also being developed to ensure the required level of safety throughout the infrastructure’s operational life.

Foto: ©Adobe Stock

Infrastructure Projects: Stakeholder involvement as an important piece in the puzzle

And how are things progressing with SuedLink, one of Germany’s biggest energy transition projects?
The first works on the route corridor are scheduled to begin in autumn 2024, so that by 2028, electricity will be able to flow from the wind farms in northern Germany to the major centers of consumption in southern Germany.
Today, energy transition projects with complex and long-term impacts on society, the environment and economy are reliant on the early involvement of stakeholders. Participatory processes (stakeholder engagement) are immensely important for the successful implementation of this major infrastructure project. The engagement process for SuedLink was therefore on TenneT and TransnetBW’s (the project developers’) agenda from the very beginning, with the aim of integrating landowner’s and the local community’s concerns. During project preparation and development for the southern permit application section E2 – Baden-Württemberg – iterative dialogues with stakeholders were held on two occasions. In the course of submitting the permit application documents in March 2023, six discussions were also held in a third round of dialogues with affected individuals, communities, companies and municipalities in Baden-Württemberg. By engaging in these comprehensive dialogues at such an early stage, potential conflicts can be identified, concerns can be raised, and, finally, joint solutions can be found. ILF Consulting Engineers is engaging in dialogues with clients and is supporting the dialogues with owners with the help of knowledge carriers from various technical departments.

The Zurich Northern Bypass is one of the busiest sections of motorway in Switzerland and is reaching its capacity limits. An expansion of the Northern bypass and the construction of a third tunnel tube in the Gubrist Tunnel shall accommodate increased traffic volumes. The third tube has now been opened and traffic is travelling through this new third tube of the Gubrist Tunnel.

Together with WSP Ingenieure AG and Amberg Engineering, ILF is in charge of the tunnel ventilation and thus plays a major role in the expansion of the Zurich Northern Bypass. Tunnel ventilation is a key safety component in a road tunnel and allows tunnel users to escape safely from the tunnel in the event of a fire. The tunnel ventilation system in the third tube of the Gubrist Tunnel consists of 4 exhaust air fans, 34 dampers, 12 jet fans, various ventilation sensors, 179 control cabinets and more than 80 km of cable.

With the completion of the new third tube, refurbishment of the two old tunnel tubes of the Gubrist Tunnel can now start.

In Norway, the Norwegian Public Road Administration, Statens Vegvesen, is currently building the E39 Rogfast Project. This project, located North of Stavanger, involves the construction of the twin-tube Boknafjord Tunnel, which, when complete, will be the longest and deepest undersea road tunnel in the world being 26.7 km long and 390 m below sea level at its deepest point.

In addition, the Rogfast Project has been selected by Statens Vegvesen as a pilot project to help reach their CO2 targets through the use of electric-powered heavy construction machinery. Statens Vegvesen has commissioned a consortium consisting of ILF Consulting Engineers in Norway, ILF Consulting Engineers in Austria, Graz University of Technology (Austria) and Sovik Consulting (Norway) to carry out a risk assessment for the use of electric-powered vehicles, commonly referred to as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV s), in the E39 Rogfast Project.

The aim of this study is primarily to investigate potential fire risks associated with the use of battery-powered heavy vehicles for the transportation of excavated rock.
These fire hazards could arise, for example, from overloading during heavy use or from recharging the vehicles. The impact of these vehicles on the construction process and their practical implementation will also be investigated.
With delivery of this service, the consortium is making a targeted contribution to one of the largest tunnel projects ever to be built in Norway and to the sustainability of tunnelling in general.

A significant milestone has been reached for the DolWin4 and BorWin4 offshore grid connection systems.

DolWin4 and BorWin4 connect the large wind farms in the North Sea with the onshore transmission grid. The connection points are located in North-West Germany and the onshore connections are planned to be implemented as underground cables.

The project developer Amprion GmbH has taken an important step towards obtaining a building permit by submitting the application for official plan approval. For the southernmost section of the onshore route of the two grid connection systems, all documents have been submitted to the respective authorities on time. This paves the way for the next steps and brings the project developer closer to receiving the final decision from the approval authority.

ILF significantly contributed to the success of this project with the timely delivery of the technical design. The fact that the schedule was successfully met, at all times, is the result of all project parties cooperating very effectively with each other and the trust built up between the service provider and client.
We look forward to continuing to assist the project developer, applying our expertise in this project.

To reduce the amount of through traffic in the Swiss municipality of Näfels, a bypass is planned to the North. ILF, as part of the IG Niederberg, and together with B+S, is involved in the design works for the bypass tunnel.

When complete, the 2.8-km-long Näfels bypass will consist of a 700-m-long section of open road in the North, the 1.8-km-long Niederberg Tunnel and a 300-m-long section in the South with a new junction connecting the bypass to the existing cantonal road.

ILF and its partner are responsible for the construction design and detailed design of the two-lane Niederberg Tunnel, which shall be operated as a two-way traffic tunnel. We would like to thank ASTRA, the Swiss Federal Roads Office, for the contract and are very much looking forward to carrying out this exciting task.

The Point Tupper Green Hydrogen/Ammonia Project is considered one of the most advanced projects for the large-scale production of green ammonia. The aim of the project is to produce certified green hydrogen and ammonia to meet increased global demand. This project also makes it possible to reduce the amount of CO2 emissions compared to the amount emitted from conventional ammonia production processes.
EverWind Fuels plans to deliver certified green hydrogen to German offtakers by 2025. Supplying the German market with green hydrogen is an important goal of the historic hydrogen alliance between Canada and Germany. The agreement was signed in August 2022 and contributes to achieving climate targets.

ILF is pleased to be able to support EverWind Fuels in this pioneering project as a Project Management Consultant (PMC).
​​​​​​​We will also lend technical support to EverWind Fuels and perform the Design Review for the EPC Contractor.

For the initial phase of green hydrogen and green ammonia production (200,000 tonnes per year), EverWind has received environmental approval from the Canadian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change for their project, with an investment volume of more than USD 1 billion.
Construction of the hydrogen and ammonia production plant is planned to commence in 2023, on an industrial site at Point Tupper in Nova Scotia, Canada. The jetty at the existing EverWind Fuels’ tank farm will be used to load the ammonia onto ships.
In the first phase, certified green electricity will be used. This electricity will mainly come from newly installed regional wind farms and will be transported via the public grid. In a second phase, the facility will be significantly expanded and for this purpose, separate 2GW wind farms will be developed.

The National Water Company (NWC) of Saudi Arabia is addressing the problem of high salinity levels in the drinking water in six cities in the Eastern region of the country through a new program. The NWC plans to construct transmission lines with a total length of 520 km, 21 pumping stations and 42 storage tanks. In addition, the overall network will be extended to serve new areas and old pipelines will be replaced to reduce water losses.

An additional 420,000 m3/day of water is needed from alternative sources before all of the existing groundwater wells which have high salinity levels can be closed, and to cater for the future demand of 1,370,000 m3/day. This additional water will be supplied by the Saline Water Conversion Company (SWCC KSA) in Saudi Arabia.

The NWC has entrusted ILF with the project management, construction supervision, and  design review services for this program – the currently biggest urban water supply program in Saudi Arabia.

Red Sea Global, the developer of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, has appointed ILF as an Independent Engineer for the implementation phase of the primary utility system currently being developed by a consortium led by ACWA Power.
The project includes the provision of renewable power, potable water, wastewater treatment, district cooling and solid waste treatment for 16 hotels, an international airport, and infrastructure that will form Phase One of The Red Sea destination in Saudi Arabia.

Key Facts: 

• Solar PV: 340 MWac
• BESS: 1,200 MWh
• Internal Combustion Engine: 108.98 MW
• SWRO: 32,500 m3/day
• Wastewater: 18,300 m3/day
• District Cooling: 32,500 RT
• Solid Waste Management: 11,775 T/year

ILF already acted as a technical advisor during the tendering stage of the PPP project, which resulted in a Utilities Concession Agreement (UCA) worth roughly USD 1.5 billion.
The extension of ILF’s involvement in this landmark development is seen as both an expression of confidence as well as a confirmation of the call for ILF to continue to deliver Engineering Excellence with ILF’s integrated team from its offices in Saudi Arabia, Austria, Germany and Poland.

A large part of Northern Germany’s wind energy potential cannot currently be used due to bottlenecks in the power grid.
The aim is to be able to utilize this unused wind energy potential in the future by converting it into green hydrogen with the help of power-to-gas facilities.
Transporting gaseous hydrogen in pipelines has clear advantages – technically, economically and ecologically – in comparison to other transport options.

In this context, HyPerLink, Gasunie’s envisaged approximately 66-km-long hydrogen network, and a key part the future European hydrogen network, shall provide an efficient link between the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. A particularity of this project is that the HyPerLink will be developed mainly by converting already existing natural gas infrastructure into hydrogen infrastructure with a capacity of up to 7.2 GW. ILF has been commissioned by Gasunie for the “Project design and project management for the modification of existing pipeline infrastructure in HyPerLink Phase I and Phase II”.

This gives ILF the opportunity to participate in one of the European hydrogen industry’s lighthouse projects.
The project for which an application for early commencement of measures has been submitted, is awaiting notification from the IPCEI program.

ILF has committed itself to becoming ‘Net Zero’ by 2040.

Becoming ‘Net Zero’ first and foremost means reducing, reducing and (once again!) reducing emissions. In line with the Science Based Target Initiative, we are following the pathway towards achieving net zero emissions by making ambitious efforts to reduce our overall greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% by 2040, and by offsetting a maximum of 10% of our remaining, unavoidable emissions.

How will ILF become ‘Net Zero‘ by 2040?

Having set ourselves near-term targets for 2030 and committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040, it is now time to take concrete steps to reach this ambitious goal. The Sustainability Team at ILF has therefore organized for a number of Net Zero workshops to be held, where colleagues from all levels of the ILF hierarchy will be able to share their ideas and together formulate specific goals and measures to be taken at their ILF location. In view of our current carbon footprint, special attention will be given to ILF’s “top three” emission sources: Business Travel by Aircraft, Business Travel in Company Vehicles and Employee Commuting.

At ILF, we know that achieving net zero emissions by 2040 in line with the Science Based Targets Initiative is an ambitious goal, but we are ready and willing to do whatever it takes to reach this goal!

Foto: ©Adobe Stock

The Glenmuckloch Energy Park (GB-SCT) project entails the conversion of a disused open-cast coal mine into a renewable energy hub. This Energy Park will involve the development of both a 210 MW Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage (PHES) plant and a 33.6 MW wind farm on the same site.

During its previous operation, the Glenmuckloch mine was contributing to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with coal-powered energy generation. The envisaged Glenmuckloch Energy Park will serve the purpose of actively reversing these impacts, by contributing to the transition from thermal to renewable energy generation.

The former mining operations at Glenmuckloch created a significant void in the ground, which is to be used as the lower reservoir. Approximately 220 m above the lower reservoir, a new turkey’s nest reservoir will be constructed. The two reservoirs will be connected by an above-ground steel penstock entering a shaft powerhouse located adjacent to the lower reservoir. The PHES will be able to provide approximately 1,600 MWh of renewable energy per cycle.

As part of the decommissioning process for the mine, the entire Glenmuckloch area will need to be rehabilitated. Instead of allowing the mine to become a dormant asset, the conversion of the site into a renewable energy hub will not only provide energy security for the region, but will also help to create jobs for the local communities.

ILF, together with the lead partner Ove Arup & Partners Limited (Arup), has been appointed as the Owner’s Engineer for the development of this project. Arup will oversee the full development of the wind farm project components, while ILF has been engaged as a specialist sub-consultant to oversee the development of the PHES project components. The project is being financed by the Foresight Group (Foresight), a sustainability-led alternative assets and SME investment manager.

The European Union has declared that hydrogen – and its derivatives, such as ammonia and methanol – are key to achieving the Union’s legally binding obligations to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels) and to become climate neutral by 2050.

As Europe is unable to produce sufficient quantities of hydrogen for its own needs, imports from overseas are currently the subject of many detailed investigations.

Late last year, political leaders from Germany and Canada entered into a hydrogen alliance, based on the idea of exporting clean hydrogen to the EU in order to help reduce the need for natural gas imports. Shortly after the alliance was formed, ILF began working on two techno-economic studies on Canada’s readiness to transport hydrogen products by sea from Eastern Canada to Europe.
ILF’s involvement in these studies is an example of one of the contributions that ILF is making towards a sustainable future for our planet.

Within the scope of work for the new twin-track Feeder Line North of the Brenner Base Tunnel, DB Netz AG has commissioned ILF Consulting Engineers, as part of an engineering consortium with two other partners, to carry out the route design and project planning works for the preliminary design of the Grafing–Ostermünchen (GER) section.

Currently under construction, this section forms part of the Feeder Line North of the Brenner Base Tunnel which is an integral part of the Scandinavian–Mediterrranean Corridor (Scan–Med Corridor) from Finland to Malta. This corridor is also the most important North–South Railway Link in Europe. The approx. 15-km-long section comprises the northernmost part of this project. In addition to open-track sections, associated traffic infrastructure, bridges and tunnels are also planned.

The Building Information Modelling (BIM) method is being used during the design which also includes an option for further design phases (conceptual design, permit application design and tender design).

Having already been involved in the previous design phase for this section (namely the route selection procedure), ILF has detailed knowledge of the local site conditions and can therefore support this complex project in the further design phases.

Foto: ©Adobe Stock

With less than 100 m³ of renewable water resources per capita and per year, Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world.
The existing water resources are already heavily overexploited and are rapidly being depleted as a result of supplying a growing population. The water sector in Jordan is characterized by high water losses and low cost coverage.

To tackle the challenges associated with water supply in Jordan, the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) has commissioned a joint venture, consisting of ILF and Engicon, with the project “Energy Efficiency in the Water Sector II in Jordan”. The focus of this project is on reducing the amount of non-revenue water, such as leakages or illegal connections, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of the water sector in general.

A multi-pronged approach has been chosen to make every drop count. Five selected pumping stations will be rehabilitated, mainly by replacing inefficient equipment such as pumps, fittings and valves. To ensure a more sustainable operation of the water network, an additional booster pumping station will be constructed. Furthermore, the water network itself will undergo several changes in order to make the best use of the mountainous terrain.

Measures which increase energy efficiency in the water sector are both environmentally and economically beneficial for all parties involved.

The rehabilitation of the pumping stations and the restructuring of the water supply network are projected to save more than 9,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Energy demand can be lowered by approximately 50%, and, in addition, up to 20% of physical water losses are expected to be eliminated.

Phase 1 of the construction works has recently started and is expected to be completed in 2025. Phase 2 is currently out to tender.

ILF has won the contract for project management, development and design, including management of all environmental issues, for the Linz Urban Railway, Austria.

The metropolitan area of Linz (in the province of Upper Austria) has a number of hospitals, universities, cultural and administrative facilities and offers more jobs than there are inhabitants (> 200,000). As a result, Linz has been struggling with commuter traffic for a long time.

A high-quality alternative to private transport is therefore needed and a new public transport solution is being developed. The key objectives are to provide high-quality transport for passengers, fast travel times, direct connections to high-level institutions and links to the existing infrastructure: the Linz Urban Railway.

ILF was commissioned by Schiene OÖ GmbH, together with a local partner in Linz, to prepare the documents for the preliminary design of all the technical and environmental aspects and to clarify the necessary legal proceedings for all sections of the Linz Urban Railway. Planning for the approval procedure and the environmental impact assessment for the urban railway’s connection to the university is an optional part of the contract.

NZSki, one of New Zealand’s ski field operators, plans to increase the capacity of its ski area ”The Remarkables” near Queenstown from its current capacity of approx. 3,500 skiers to a future capacity of approx. 7,500 skiers. For the proposed plans to become reality, the neighboring bowl, the Doolans Basin, shall be developed into a ski area. To achieve this, various options will be investigated in a masterplan and a development strategy will subsequently be formulated.

ILF Consulting Engineers has been entrusted with preparing this masterplan which covers slopes, ropeways, snow-making systems, ski tunnels, parking facilities, mountain restaurants, maintenance and service infrastructure as well as connections to the existing ski area. The masterplan will also encompass all the construction measures required to operate the ski resort following the increase in capacity.

ILF Consulting Engineers has set another historical milestone in its 50+ years of engineering excellence. We are extremely proud to have been appointed as the consultant of choice for the pre-development studies for three multi-gigawatt solar PV parks. These parks, with an installed capacity of up to 30 GWp, will by far be the world’s largest renewable energy parks in terms of installed capacity.

ILF will provide world-class engineering services, accompanying the parks’ development up to the point where the parks can be tendered on an independent power producer (IPP) basis.

The pre-development studies shall include performance of the following tasks:

• a preliminary site assessment
• preparation of a master plan
• environmental baseline surveys
• an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA)
• the permit application procedure
• various studies, including geotechnical, hydrological, glint/glare and corrosion studies
• an energy yield assessment
• technology selection
• CAPEX/OPEX estimation
• advanced design of the parks

The parks are among the most ambitious and prestigious developments taking place in the world in terms of sustainability, innovation and cutting edge technology, and are a key puzzle piece in Saudi Arabia’s strategy to become a world champion in renewable energy by 2030. This fits perfectly with the ILF Group’s commitment to climate protection and its vision of improving the quality of life around the globe.

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Digitalization poses new challenges to be faced in road tunnels – challenges which require interdisciplinary action.

Coordinated by the Federal Highway Research Institute (“Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen” GER) and ILF, the bilateral research project Artificial Intelligence for Improvement of Safety of Tunnels and Tunnel Control Centers (“KITT”) is developing innovative solutions. By using data from Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI), hazardous situations in tunnels, or anomalies in IT security, can be recognized more quickly and reliably.

ILF is proud to be able to apply its extensive experience of performing risk analyses in road tunnels and its own (self-developed) tunnel risk model TuRisMo to improve existing methods by using C-ITS technology.
The research project is being funded by the Security Research Funding Program (“KIRAS”) set up by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism (“BMLRT”) and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (“BMBF”) as part of the call for Artificial Intelligence in Civil Security Research (“Künstliche Intelligenz in der zivilen Sicherheitsforschung”).

As part of a joint venture (JV), ILF has been awarded the contract for the preparation of tender documents for the Eastern Section of the 2nd S-Bahn Main Line in Munich.

This section of the line comprises approx. 3.4 km of tunnels, one underground halt and several civil engineering structures. ILF has also been involved in the design of the Western Section of the line since 2017. As part of different JVs, ILF was commissioned with the final design and the permit application design services for the overall project, the preparation of tender documents and construction design services for two underground halts.

The overall project, with a line length of approx. 10 km, contains a tunnel section with a length of approx. 7 km and three underground halts (with lengths between 230 m and 250 m, and a depth of approx. 45 m). The tunnels – two tunnels and one emergency tunnel – will be driven mainly by TBMs. The underground halts are being constructed using the cut-and-cover method, and for the platform tunnels, the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) is being used.

The Deutsche Bahn has taken the decision to extend the underground section of the line under the city center (by adding a new line beneath the existing one) because the S-Bahn Main Line in Munich was no longer able to handle today’s passenger numbers.

ILF is pleased to be able to present the design for the tunnel portals with the widest span in the company’s more than 55-year history.
As the leading partner of a planning consortium, ILF, on behalf of ASFINAG, has been working on the detailed design for the tunnel structures within phase 1 of the A26 motorway construction project near Linz.

The motorway tunnel constructed in phase 1 of the project has four lanes in some sections and a total length of 2.4 km, including access and exit ramps. The two main portals of the tunnel deserve special attention: The portals of the two main carriageways, which shall directly adjoin the fourth Danube bridge on both sides, span a width of about 25 m and have a shotcrete thickness of only 60 cm. The operating rooms are located directly below these main portals.

Overcoming the challenge of designing and finally realizing tunnel portals of these dimensions has only been possible thanks to ILF’s partnership with ASFINAG and the joint venture ARGE A26 that is responsible for executing the project.

Thank you for the excellent cooperation!

ILF has been commissioned as part of an engineering consortium (INGE Axe Bauleitung) for the construction supervision for the new Axenstrasse road project. The project is expected to run until the end of 2033.

The Axenstrasse road was built between 1861 and 1865 and is located in Central Switzerland. The road has been damaged several times by rockfalls and mudslides, which is why a new Axenstrasse road is now being built.

ILF has commenced its construction supervision work at the Gumpisch temporary bridge. The temporary bridge will be constructed in an area sensitive to rockfalls and will allow traffic to be diverted from the Axenstrasse road thus facilitating further construction works. Construction of both the major tunnel construction lots is due to start in 2025. The construction site from Ingenbohl to Gumpisch stretches over a length of approx. 8 km. In the tunnel-driving phase, up to six tunnel drives (main and counter drives) are to be supervised in parallel. Also in the construction phase for the entire project, several construction sites for lining works are to be supervised in parallel.

In order to deal with the natural hazards posing a threat to the availability of the Axenstrasse road, an early warning system has been introduced and contributes to greater safety during construction works. Work on the Gumpisch temporary bridge is taking place whilst there is ongoing traffic on the Axenstrasse road. Thanks to the good cooperation with the road operator AfBN, the client and the security firm that are helping to control the adjacent traffic, the work and traffic have to date been accident-free.