Goldisthal-Oberbecken, reservoir in Germany
The Goldisthal-Oberbecken is a large reservoir in Thuringia that forms part of a pumped storage power plant. Water is stored here to generate electricity by releasing it from the upper to the lower basin when energy is needed.
The power plant was built in the early 2000s in the Thuringian Slate Mountains and has operated since 2004. It was created to help balance electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar farms.
The name refers to its location in the upper valley near the Schwarza river. For the local community, the reservoir represents modern sustainable energy and technological progress.
The power plant sits underground beneath the reservoir and is barely visible from the surface since it is built into the mountain. Visitors can observe the water and surrounding forest from viewing platforms without disturbing operations.
The power plant can reach full power in about one and a half minutes, making it particularly suited to handle sudden changes in the electricity grid. This quick response capability sets it apart from many other hydroelectric facilities.
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