Wienerbruck power plant, Protected hydroelectric power station in Annaberg, Austria.
Wienerbruck power plant is a hydroelectric facility in Annaberg that has generated electricity since 1910. It channels water from the Lassingbach and Erlauf rivers through four generating units to supply power to the regional grid.
The power station was built in 1910 and was then the largest reservoir facility in Austria-Hungary. It was originally created to supply electricity to the Mariazellerbahn railway before becoming part of the regional power network.
The marble control panel in the machine hall shows the careful craftsmanship of early electricity management. Visitors can observe how operators once used these intricate switches to direct power through the regional grid.
The facility offers free guided tours where visitors can see the machine hall gallery and learn how hydroelectric generation works. Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves stairs and multiple levels of the plant.
One of the original machines from 1910 still operates and converts the generated electricity to standard frequency. This historic equipment runs alongside modern machinery and demonstrates the durability of early engineering.
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