Staustufe Griesheim, Hydroelectric power station and barrage in Frankfurt, Germany
The Staustufe Griesheim is a hydroelectric power station and barrage on the Main River that generates power through three Kaplan turbines. The facility has three 40-meter-wide roller gates and two lock chambers for vessel passage.
The facility was built between 1929 and 1932 after Frankfurt and the Reich government signed an agreement to modernize the Main River. It replaced older infrastructure and helped improve water transport and power supply.
The power station building displays New Objectivity architectural style and is protected as a cultural monument in Hesse. Visitors can recognize the hallmark features of this design movement on the facade, which emphasizes function and simple forms.
The site is easy to view from the Main riverbank, especially in clear weather when the gates and building are clearly visible. Best visited during daytime hours when the light highlights the details of the architecture.
The facility uses special Kaplan turbines that adjust to different water levels, allowing it to operate efficiently year-round. This system lets the installation provide consistent power even when water levels fluctuate.
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