Ever imagined how a simple wheel could harness the raw power of water? Here, at the Wasserrad in Liechtenstein, we are about to unlock that secret.
The Wasserrad stands as a testament to Liechtenstein’s long-standing relationship with water as an energy source. For centuries, in the absence of other sources, the Wasserrad was the only source of continuous mechanical energy for the agrarian society.
Imagine a time long before electricity. The Wasserrad was essential. It ground grain and powered various machinery. The earliest written records show mills in Schaan and Balzers as far back as the 9th century. Historical sources mention water-powered operations throughout the country.
Consider the ingenuity required to channel water. The water mills, with the help of water from the Mühleholzquellen, already supported the mechanical trades in the Mühleholz in the past centuries. Today, the Liechtenstein power plants have renovated and partly rebuilt the plant. The hydropower plant now feeds 7000 kWh into the grid every day.
The power derived from mill streams in Vaduz and Triesen, along with the Pfandbrunnen in Mauren, was soon amplified by turbines. This amplification proved critical for establishing textile factories. It also helped kick-start the country’s initial phase of industrialization in the latter half of the 19th century. That same waterpower even generated the first electric energy here.
Today, the largest share of Liechtenstein’s electricity production comes from using Lawena and Samina water, an endeavor that began in the last century.
The Liechtenstein power plants prioritize renewable energy from hydropower plants. They operate twelve hydropower plants, producing approximately 18 percent of Liechtenstein’s required electricity. This is about 72000 MWh. Although Liechtenstein imports a large portion of its electricity, domestic production covers the needs of all private households.
The Wasserrad reminds us of a time when innovation meant harnessing nature’s power directly. It is a symbol of Liechtenstein’s resourcefulness and its early embrace of renewable energy. As you stand here, listening to the gentle rush of water, you are connected to centuries of ingenuity and sustainable practices. The Wasserrad continues to turn, echoing Liechtenstein’s commitment to a greener future.