Entracque Power Plant, Hydroelectric power station in Province of Cuneo, Italy
The Entracque Power Plant is an underground facility built into the Alpine mountains, featuring a sophisticated system where water moves between upper and lower reservoirs at different elevations. Engineers carved extensive tunnel networks through the rock to house the machinery that pumps and releases water for electricity generation.
Planning for this facility began in the early 1960s to meet the region's growing electricity demand, with construction teams working through challenging mountain terrain. The project reached full operation in the early 1980s, representing a significant achievement in Alpine engineering.
The facility received its name in recognition of Luigi Einaudi, who served as President of the Italian Republic from 1948 to 1955.
Access is restricted since this is an active industrial facility located in a remote mountain setting. It is worth contacting local authorities or the operator beforehand to inquire about possible viewing opportunities or guided visits.
The facility operates on a cycle where water naturally flows downhill through turbines to generate power, then gets pumped back up during periods of lower demand. This reversible system allows the plant to act as both a producer and storage unit for electricity.
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