Wasserkraftwerk Horster Mühle, Hydroelectric power station in Horst district, Essen, Germany
Wasserkraftwerk Horster Mühle is a hydroelectric facility on the Ruhr River in Essen, marked by red brick buildings and a tall smokestack with light stone bands. The installation harnesses the river's flow to produce electricity for the local grid.
The site began as a mill first recorded in 1319 under control of the Lords of Horst, a noble family ruling the region. Industrial growth later transformed the old mill into a modern power generation facility.
The site connects to Franz Dinnendahl, a machine builder whose legacy is marked by a memorial plaque on the grounds. Visitors can sense this industrial heritage while walking around the red brick buildings.
The visit is most interesting during dry periods when the adjacent pumping station operates actively, returning water to the river. The grounds sit directly on the Ruhr, so wear sturdy shoes and watch for uneven riverside paths.
On hot days, the adjacent pumping station pushes massive amounts of water back into the Ruhr to maintain the region's drinking water supply. This reveals how industrial infrastructure directly supports everyday life and agriculture.
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