Wertach-Kraftwerk

Hidden in plain sight, the Wertach-Kraftwerk hums with the power of the Wertachkanal. The Wertach-Kraftwerk isn’t just a building. It’s a time capsule, a testament to Augsburg’s ingenuity. Built in 1920-1921, the Wertach-Kraftwerk was originally designed to power Augsburg’s tram system. The Wertachkanal itself, completed in 1920, served a dual purpose. It mitigated flood risks and provided a powerful source of energy. Imagine the city in the early 20th century, the trams rattling along, powered by the very building we stand before. The Wertach-Kraftwerk is more than just a power plant. It’s a symbol of Augsburg’s innovative spirit. The building itself is a two-story structure with a hipped roof and an L-shaped floor plan. A decorative tooth-cut frieze adorns the eaves. Look closely and you’ll see the rectangular, wooden lattice windows and the beavertail roof covering. The machine room, set one story below, houses the heart of the operation. Originally equipped with Francis twin turbines, the Wertach-Kraftwerk has undergone modernizations. In 2007 and 2022, the turbines were replaced to maintain efficiency with reduced water flow. Yet, even with these updates, the two original generators from 1921, made by Siemens-Schuckert-Werke, still contribute to the power generation. The Wertach-Kraftwerk, once solely dedicated to powering trams, now feeds into the public grid. It continues to be a vital part of Augsburg’s infrastructure, a reminder of a city’s innovative past and its commitment to sustainable energy. The Wertach-Kraftwerk stands as a proud symbol of Augsburg’s forward-thinking approach to utilizing its resources.