Pumpspeicherwerke Hohenwarte, Pumped-storage hydroelectric plant in Thuringia, Germany.
Pumpspeicherwerke Hohenwarte is a hydroelectric facility along the Saale river in Thuringia that operates with two separate reservoirs at different elevations. The installation uses Francis turbines to move water between the basins, converting the gravitational flow into electricity for the surrounding region.
Construction began in 1936, with the initial facility becoming operational in 1942. The complex underwent several expansions during the following decades to increase its power output.
The power station serves as an educational center where visitors learn about renewable energy systems and hydroelectric power generation techniques.
The site can be viewed from exterior vantage points, with the dam and reservoir offering the most dramatic perspectives. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since pathways along the embankment can be steep and exposed to wind.
The upper reservoir stretches for several kilometers and serves dual purposes beyond power generation, also protecting downstream areas from seasonal flooding of the Saale. This combination of energy production and water management makes it essential infrastructure for the entire valley.
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