Mühleberg power station, Run-of-river power station in Mühleberg, Switzerland.
The Mühleberg power station is a run-of-river hydroelectric facility on the Aare River in Switzerland that generates electricity from the natural flow of the water. The station harnesses the river's current to spin turbines and produce power without requiring a large reservoir.
The Bernische Kraftwerke decided on the project in 1910, shortly after the company was founded, with director Eduard Will driving it forward. Construction began in autumn 1917, before the 50-year concession was granted in December 1917, and employed over 1000 people at times. The plans came from hydraulic engineer Gabriel Narutowicz; the first turbine started operating on 23 August 1920.
The machine hall and weir form a single structure designed by architect Walter Bösiger, who used exposed concrete here for the first time in Switzerland. The building is held in the industrial classicism style. A regional road crosses the Aare valley on top of the weir.
The facility sits directly on the river and is visible from the local pathways that run along the Aare. Visitors can view the structure from the outside, with the best views available from nearby bridges and riverside walkways.
The facility led to the creation of Lake Wohlen, a water body formed during construction that transformed the landscape around it. The lake is now used by local residents and visitors for recreation and water activities.
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