Centrale idroelettrica Esterle, Hydroelectric power station in Cornate d'Adda, Italy
The Centrale idroelettrica Esterle is a hydroelectric power station on the right bank of the Adda River, operating with horizontal Francis turbines and generating 27 megawatts of power. Water arrives through a canal originating from the Robbiate dam upstream and flows back into the river after passing through the turbines.
The facility was built between 1906 and 1914 and named after Carlo Esterle, an influential figure at Edison who advanced industrial development in the region. Its construction was part of a broader wave of hydropower projects that harnessed the Adda River's potential during the early 20th century.
The power station displays Lombard architectural features with Gothic windows and decorated machine halls that reflect early industrial design. These design elements remain visible today in the building's facades and interior spaces, shaping its distinctive character.
The facility sits alongside the Adda River and is visible from outside, giving a sense of its industrial structure and scale. Visitors should explore the riverside path to better understand how the power station relates to the landscape and water flow.
The power station operates twelve Francis turbines arranged in pairs that collectively drive all of its electricity generation. This paired arrangement was typical for hydropower plants of this era and allowed for improved efficiency and maintenance compared to single-turbine systems.
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