The Friedrichssegen hydroelectric power plant is one of the oldest in Germany and was built in 1906. It was extended in 1915, rebuilding and expansion of the machinery took place in 1937, which increased the capacity by 30%. The three-phase generators from 1906 and the turbines from 1937 are still in operation today.

The history of electricity

Electricity was introduced to Lahnstein and the surrounding area at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Power stations were built in many communities, which were financed by the establishment of public limited companies. With the founding of the Main power plants in Höchst in 1910, the electricity self-sufficiency of the individual municipalities was a thing of the past. The joint-stock company expanded by buying up the municipal companies, shutting them down and at the same time building an interurban network to supply the rural districts.

Lahnstein had no municipal power station. In 1913, the Main-Kraftwerke AG acquired the Friedrichssegen river power station, which from then on supplied the towns of Ober- and Niederlahnstein. This contract had created a competitor for the municipal gasworks, so that compensation sums were agreed. These amounted to 2000 marks in the first year, 3000 marks in the second and 4000 marks annually in the following years. In addition, the municipal gasworks was given a percentage share of the revenues.

Discover the hydropower

The hydroelectric power station, a plaster building with brick structure, is one of the oldest in Germany and was built in 1906. It was extended in 1915, and modifications and extensions to the machinery were carried out in 1937, which increased the power output by 30%. The three-phase generators from 1906 and the turbines from 1937 are still in operation today. Power generation from renewable energies such as hydroelectric power is part of Süwag's strategy. Visitors to Friedrichssegen can experience directly on site how "green" energy is produced.