Matte power station, Run-of-river power station in Mattequartier, Bern, Switzerland.
The Matte power station is a run-of-river facility on the Aare and uses the natural current of the river to generate electricity. The plant sits on a slope and uses the terrain's gradient to power its turbines.
The power station was built in 1891 and ranks among Switzerland's earliest hydroelectric facilities. It shows how Switzerland tapped its rivers for power in the early 20th century.
The power station blends into the Mattequartier neighborhood and shows how industrial buildings operate within a historic residential area. Visitors can see a working factory that remains part of the district's daily life.
The power station is located near the river and is accessible from the Mattequartier side. Visitors can view the outside of the facility and explore the area around the river.
The facility operates without large reservoirs and demonstrates an efficient use of river flow. This makes it an early example of sustainable energy production in the Alpine region.
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