Ritom power plant, Hydroelectric power station in Piotta, Switzerland
The Ritom power plant is a hydroelectric facility in Quinto that harnesses water from Lake Ritom and overcomes a height difference of 830 meters to reach the Piotta station. The installation processes around 48 million cubic meters of water annually and operates with two turbines and a pump to generate electricity for the grid.
The plant was built in 1920 and was the first facility to supply electricity for trains traveling through the Gotthard railway tunnel. This role made it a key installation for Swiss railway infrastructure at that time.
The facility holds class A status as a Swiss cultural property of national significance, representing an important chapter in the country's industrial heritage. Visitors can see this recognition reflected in how carefully the plant has been maintained.
Visitors can explore the plant on guided tours that provide access to an underground cavern housing tunnel boring equipment. Transportation is provided by minibus from the starting point in Piotta.
The plant can respond quickly to fluctuations in electricity demand to support grid stability. This flexibility makes it an important player in the region's modern power supply system.
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