Forbach equalising basin, reservoir near Forbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
The Forbach equalising basin is a water reservoir in the Black Forest region that serves as part of a hydroelectric system. Water from nearby streams fills it and then flows through tunnels and pipes to power turbines at an adjacent power plant.
The Rudolf Fettweis power plant was built between 1914 and 1926, marking the start of hydroelectric use in this area. The basin is now being expanded into a pumped storage system, with construction beginning in fall 2023 to better support renewable energy sources.
The basin is embedded in the region's long relationship with water management and hydroelectric power, which has shaped how people here use natural resources for energy. You can see how the local infrastructure reflects decades of working with water as a key part of community life.
The basin is situated in hilly terrain and accessible by car, though it is integrated into the surrounding landscape. The site is best explored on foot, as access to the waterways and immediate infrastructure is limited.
The upgrade project will create an underground storage system with a turbine that works both ways, generating electricity when water flows down and pumping water back up when energy is abundant. This flexibility allows the system to store excess solar power and release it when needed most.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
