VERBUND

Austrian energy provider Verbund confirms the use of Siemens S7 PLCs named as targets of active hackers in a U.S. government warning. No security-relevant incidents have been reported, as the systems are used only in very specialized areas and are not reachable from the internet. The U.S. warning is aimed at S7 controllers in critical infrastructure after attacks on local water supply systems were reported. » More on de.investing.com

Due to ongoing drought and lower power prices, Verbund’s group profit in the first half of 2026 fell by over a third to 518 million euros, and revenue declined by 11% to 3.6 billion euros. Hydropower generation dropped by almost 10% to 11.2 TWh because of the weather, while wind and photovoltaic output rose by 10% to 1.2 TWh thanks to capacity expansion. The average sales price for hydropower fell to 86.2 euros/MWh. The executive board expects a 2026 profit of around 1 to 1.2 billion euros and plans to distribute half of it as dividends. » More on kurier.at

Verbund has applied for the immediate enforcement of the planning approval decision for the Bavarian Riedl energy storage facility to avoid delaying implementation by several years despite three pending lawsuits. CEO Michael Strugl describes the pumped-storage project of more than 300 megawatts as a key initiative for the energy transition and points to extensive protective measures in the decision. Verbund expects that implementation will gain three to five years needed for the expansion of renewable energies. » More on finanzen.net