About Us
Vodohospodárska výstavba, state enterprise participated in the preparation and implementation of more than 350 water management, hydropower and engineering structures
For more than sixty years more than 350 water management, hydropower and engineering constructions throughout Slovakia have been associated with the state enterprise Vodohospodárska výstavba.
However, the company's name is mainly associated with one of the largest water management projects in Europe - the Gabčíkovo Waterworks. The Žilina Waterworks is also of considerable importance.
The company manages these hydropower works and ensures their efficient and safe operation as well as the production and sale of electricity. The long tradition in the construction of hydroelectric waterworks is a solid basis for the further development of the company.
Headquarters of Vodohospodárska výstavba, state enterprise in Bratislava
View of the Gabčíkovo Hydroelectric Power Plant and navigation locks
Auxiliary navigation lock, central weir, and Čunovo Hydroelectric Power Plant
View of the Gabčíkovo Hydroelectric Power Plant
Žilina Waterworks
View of the Mošon I and II Small Hydroelectric Power Plants
Information Center in Gabčíkovo
Vojka-Kyselice Ferry
Navigation control tower and navigation locks in Gabčíkovo
Water sports complex in Čunovo
Mission
VODOHOSPODÁRSKA VÝSTAVBA, ŠTÁTNY PODNIK, as a sectoral organization of the Ministry of the Environment of the Slovak Republic, ensures the efficient operation and maintenance of the Gabčíkovo and Žilina waterworks, along with comprehensive technical and safety supervision and the operation of the Danube navigation route. Its mission is to ensure stable and environmentally responsible electricity generation while supporting safe and reliable river transport. The enterprise draws on its extensive experience and expertise in engineering and project management to prepare and implement high-quality projects aimed at enhancing the safety of waterworks, strengthening flood protection, and developing alternative renewable energy sources. Through its high standards of operational safety and environmental responsibility, the enterprise contributes to Slovakia’s energy self-sufficiency and environmental protection. Infrastructure modernization, sustainable development, and effective technical and safety supervision help ensure safety and create long-term value for both the population and the country.
Efficient operation and maintenance of waterworks and the navigation route
Ensuring the reliable operation of the Gabčíkovo Waterworks, the Žilina Waterworks, and the Danube navigation route.
Stable and environmentally responsible electricity generation
Harnessing hydropower to provide renewable energy sources with minimal impact on the environment.
Technical and Safety Supervision (TSS)
Continuous monitoring and safety oversight of key water management infrastructure.
Modernization and innovation
Upgrading infrastructure and implementing new technologies to improve operational processes and efficiency.
Energy self-sufficiency and environmental protection
Responsible management of water resources to strengthen Slovakia’s energy security and minimize the impacts of climate change.
Vision
To be the national leader in the safe and sustainable operation of waterworks, the Danube navigation route, and renewable energy sources. Leveraging its expertise and engineering capabilities, the enterprise prepares and implements projects that support environmentally responsible energy production, enhance operational safety, and strengthen flood protection. Through innovation and rigorous Technical and Safety Supervision (TSS), VODOHOSPODÁRSKA VÝSTAVBA contributes to Slovakia’s energy self-sufficiency and environmental protection, helping to increase the country’s resilience to climate change-related risks while preserving natural resources for future generations.
Leadership in the safe and sustainable management of waterworks and the navigation route
Serving as a benchmark for the efficient operation of waterworks and the safe navigation of inland waterways.
Expertise in engineering and project management activities
Drawing on decades of experience in the design and implementation of projects aimed at enhancing operational safety and strengthening flood protection.
Energy self-sufficiency and environmentally responsible power generation
Ensuring stable electricity production from renewable energy sources while minimizing environmental impacts.
Technical and Safety Supervision (TSS)
Maintaining the highest standards of safety, monitoring, and control of water management infrastructure.
Innovation and climate change adaptation
Modernizing and environmentally adapting infrastructure to increase its resilience to climate change-related risks and to protect natural resources for future generations.
1953
70 years of reliability and expertise
HPP Gabčíkovo
The largest hydroelectric power plant(HPP) in Slovakia
8 Power Plant
We operate 2 large and 6 small hydroelectric power plants
1953
70 years of reliability and expertise
HPP Gabčíkovo
The largest hydroelectric power plant(HPP) in Slovakia
8 Power Plant
We operate 2 large and 6 small hydroelectric power plants
1953
Founding of the company
Establishment of the Water Management and Development Center for the purpose of preparing and constructing key investment projects for the development of water management in the Slovak Republic.
1954 – 1955
New waterworks Orava and Hriňová
Completion of the construction of the Orava Waterworks and the Hriňová Water Reservoir.
1956 – 1976
Construction of hydroelectric power plants and reservoirs of the Váh Cascade
Development of hydroelectric power plants and reservoirs as part of the Váh Cascade
1978
Start of the construction of the Gabčíkovo – Nagymaros Waterworks System
Start of the construction of the Gabčíkovo – Nagymaros Waterworks System on Slovak territory.
1988
Transformation into a state enterprise
Organizational restructuring and transformation into a state enterprise
1992
Gabčíkovo Waterworks put into operation
Launch of the Gabčíkovo Waterworks
1998
Žilina Waterworks put into operation
Launch of the Žilina Waterworks
2010 - 2011
Construction of the Dobrohošť Small Hydroelectric Power Plant
Start of the construction of the Dobrohošť Small Hydroelectric Power Plant
2014
Withdrawal from the contract with Slovenské elektrárne
Vodohospodárska výstavba announces the termination of the Gabčíkovo Hydroelectric Power Plant Operation Agreement
2015
Transfer of the Gabčíkovo Waterworks operation
Withdrawal from the contract and takeover of electricity production at the Gabčíkovo Waterworks hydroelectric power plants (from March 10, 2015).
2016
Grant from the European Commission
Approval of the grant for the project “Innovation and modernization of navigation locks to increase the safety and capacity of water transport at the Gabčíkovo Waterworks.”
2018
Mošoň II Small Hydroelectric Power Plant put into operation
Start of operation of the Mošoň II Small Hydroelectric Power Plant
2019
Modernization of navigation locks and the Kľúčovec branch
Start of works on the modernization of navigation locks and the revitalization of the Kľúčovec branch.
2020
Technological innovations and the pandemic
Installation of the main technological components as part of the modernization of the right navigation lock. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the need for remote work and quarantine measures.
2021
Upgraded navigation lock
Completion and commissioning of the modernized right navigation lock at the Gabčíkovo Waterworks, accompanied by the extension of operations to environmental responsibilities.
2023
Commissioning of the left (second) navigation lock
After almost five years of modernization, the left navigation lock was officially commissioned on December 21, 2023. Together with the right lock, the Gabčíkovo Waterworks is once again fully operational, ensuring safe and smooth vessel passage and continuous use of the waterway.
2025
33 years of operation of the Gabčíkovo Waterworks
In 2025, we celebrate 33 years of successful and reliable operation of the Gabčíkovo Waterworks. Over the years, the power plant has become a steady provider of clean energy for Slovakia and a key element in flood control and waterway development.
