Narva Power Plants, Power plant complex in Narva, Estonia
Narva Power Plants consist of three main facilities - Balti, Eesti, and Auvere - that generate electricity by burning oil shale near the Russian border. The complex covers a large area with flue-gas stacks reaching roughly 250 meters high and numerous industrial buildings and structures.
Balti Power Plant opened in 1959, with Eesti Power Plant following in 1963, establishing this as the country's primary energy source during rapid industrialization. These facilities shaped decades of national energy policy and regional economic growth.
The power plants have defined the identity of this industrial region and provided work for generations of local families. They remain central to how residents understand their city and its role in the country's development.
Guided tours can be arranged through Eesti Energia to see how electricity is generated and observe the massive industrial structures up close. It is best to book in advance and wear comfortable shoes, as the site is large and much of it is outdoors.
The site includes 17 wind turbines built on a former ash field, blending coal-based power with renewable energy sources. These turbines represent how the facility is modernizing its energy mix for the future.
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