Albert Canal

The Albert Canal connects Liège with Antwerp. Here, in Diepenbeek, there is a lock complex with a drop of 10.10 meters and a total of three locks. There is also a pumping hydroelectric power station since 2021. You will also find remnants of the war here. Bunker D2 had to provide additional support for the locks that were constructed together with the canal. The bunker, like bunker D3, is located in the De Maten nature reserve. There were originally five bunkers within the bridgehead of the Diepenbeek lock on the Albert Canal, as you can read at tracesofwar.nl/sights/137165/Sluisbunker-Diepenbeek-D2.htm

The hydroelectric power station on the Diepenbeek lock is the fourth lock of the Albert Canal to have such a system. They have been working in Olen, Ham and Hasselt for some time. It is primarily a system to save water. Due to climate change, we are increasingly experiencing long periods of drought and the Albert Canal is completely dependent on Maas water for the supply of water. It is therefore important to use water as sparingly as possible. Three enormous screws - with a diameter of 4.3 meters and a length of 28 meters - pump back the water that would be lost during ashing. Because it is a combined pumping and hydroelectric power station, it can also generate electricity. If there is enough water, it could provide electricity for 1,500 families. It has now been established that the locks of Genk and Wijnegem will also be equipped with it. Each installation costs approximately 8 million euros.

View of the Albert Canal...